Written by: Daryl Chin Edited by: Leung Lok Heng & Choa Zhao Xiang Photos by: EusoffWorks
Today marked a very important day for our handball hunks as they played against our friendly neighbours, Temasek Hall (TH) ! This was a crucial match as a win would mean that they would qualify for the handball finals. The court was filled with Eusoffians to the point that many of them had to tiptoe to get a good view of the game. With their warm-ups complete, our handballers were ready to face their opponents.
For this crucial match, a strong set of players consisting of Yong Sheng (in goal), Ming Sheng, Kenson, Jiaqi, Bala, Jon and Shaoye were chosen to start the match. In the early stages of the game, things went well for our handballers, with Shaoye giving Eusoff the lead after only three minutes into the game. Our neighbours responded, levelling the score with quick goals of their own. For several minutes, both teams were determined to take the lead, but neither could find a break. Finally, Eusoff’s second goal came through from Ming Sheng, and shortly after, IVP star player Bala got his name on the scoresheet twice.
This went on for awhile with both teams showing great teamwork which showed in the tight scoreline. Both teams were now levelled at five a piece. Our very own goalkeeper, Yong Sheng was on fire as he pulled off several shot-stopping saves to prevent TH from taking the lead. A tactical timeout was then called to allow our handballers to reorganise themselves and rethink their strategy for the game. This proved to be useful for our handballers as they scored soon after through Shaoye. With the score now tied at 7-7, our handballers needed to bring their A-game to the table. A foul by one of the TH players resulted in a penalty being awarded to Eusoff. Ming Sheng stepped up to take the penalty but unfortunately missed his shot. Our opponents then capitalised on his missed penalty, setting up a counterattack only to take the lead at 8-7.
Our handballers tried to recompose themselves through short and precise passes, setting up another attack led by Kenson, only to be saved by their goalkeeper. TH was now getting comfortable in the game, adjusting well to Eusoff’s tactics. They extended their lead through several good counters even though our goalkeeper, Yong Sheng, made a fingertip save as well as a save with his leg.
The score was now 10-7 and our handballers desperately needed a goal and some fresh legs on the court. Jovi then came on for Ming Sheng, ready to make an impact in the game. Our handballers really tried their best, with many good efforts from far to beat the TH keeper but to no avail. Our opponents managed to extend their lead to 11-8 with another well-thought counterattack. In a last ditch effort to reduce TH’s lead, Bala won a foul in the final moments of the first half. Before the whistle blew, he faced the TH wall but unfortunately missed his shot. The first half then ended 11-8 in favour of our opponents.
First half score: EH vs TH: 11-8
The second half started with some changes in the lineup: Ming Sheng came back on for Jovi while Jowell came on to replace Shaoye. In the early stages of the second half, our handballers had several good chances. A penalty was awarded yet again to us. Ming Sheng stepped up yet again to take the penalty but unfortunately misses again. The goalless frenzy came to an end as TH managed to score first in the second half. However, Jon responded immediately, getting past the TH defence and putting the ball in the back of the net. 12-9 now. This back and forth went on for a good amount of time where we would score first and TH scoring shortly after. 14-11 to TH.
At this point, our handballers realised the importance of the game and started to get into the mood of the second half. Things started to look better for us. Jon manages to sidestep past the TH defence, getting one back. The next goal came from a sublime pass to Ming Sheng in which he manages to put away. Finally, the long awaited equalizer came through Jowell, coming in from the wing to level the score! 14-14 now! Ex-captain Jon then showed his years of handball experience, executing a fine pass to find Jiaqi in which he manages to score. 15-15. The game went on with two of our players getting yellow cards and Yong Sheng saving us on several occasions with some fine goalkeeping. Yusoff was then subbed on to replace Kenson to spark some creativity in the team.
With the score at 16-16, our opponents stepped up the tempo of the game, extending their lead making it 20-16 to TH. Capitalizing on the dampened spirits of our handballers, TH managed to extend their lead even further, making it 22-16. LYLC Bala managed to get one back for Eusoff to reduce their lead but it was not enough as TH managed to get another making it 23-17 before the final whistle blew.
Final score: EH vs TH: 17-23
For our handball hunks, their IHG journey has not been easy as every opponent they faced really pushed them to their limits. Even though TH may have won the match, our boys have won our hearts! Kudos to them for giving it their best and fighting all the way despite being behind for most of the game. Heads up guys, you all did well!! Eusoff is proud of you!
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