Written by: Daryl Chin Edited by: Leung Lok Heng & Choa Zhao Xiang Photos by: EusoffWork
On the 16th of January, our Eusoff handballers started their Inter-Hall Games (IHG) 19/20 season. The court was full with a sea of yellow as many Eusoffians came down to support our fellow handballers as they faced off against an unwavering Sheares Hall.
Our handballers sent out a very strong lineup consisting of Timo in goal, Bala (pivot), Kenson (centre), Jon (right back), Shaoye (right wing), Cedric (left back) and Jiaqi (left wing). From the early stages of the match, our handballers went on the offensive as they tried to get the first goal of the game. Early efforts from Shaoye and Jon were saved by the Sheares keeper and one of their shots even hit the bar! However, it was Sheares who got the first goal of the game as they managed to get one past our keeper. Unwavered by this, our handballers responded almost immediately as a good pass from Jon to Bala allowed him to unleash one past their keeper. This back and forth continued for awhile where Sheares managed to score against our keeper and we would respond immediately with amazing goals from Jon and Cedric. Our handballers put on their A-game and their insane chemistry and training became more visible with Jon and Bala showing incredible teamwork to give Eusoff the lead at 4-3.
The boys put up a formidable wall to block their opponents’ shots time and time again.
Slowly, the Sheares players got into the mood of the game and started to tighten their defence and began to fake passes and shots to avoid Eusoff’s defence. Our handballers did their best to defend while Sheares continuously attacked. Unfortunately, a few slip-ups saw Sheares score three goals in a row. The score was now 6-4 in favour of Sheares. With the team trailing, they needed some inspiration and creativity in the game, with INFLUENCER Ming Sheng coming on to replace Cedric. A yellow card for one of the Sheares handballers secured us a penalty. Jon stepped up but was unlucky in his shot. The handballers knew they needed to dig deep to reclaim their lead. They went on a fast break with Bala putting another at the back of the net. The players really stepped up with shot-stopper Timo pulling off several wonderful saves, Ming Sheng and captain Kenson with several good shots only to be saved by the Sheares keeper. Finally, their efforts paid off with them levelling the score through a bulldozer from Jiaqi! 6-6!
Sheares retaliated with an interception from a mispass to score another to take the lead. However, several moments later a foul by them resulted in another penalty to Eusoff. Jon stepped up again but his penalty was saved. However, luck was by his side as the rebounded shot came back to him, allowing him to redeem himself and put another past the Sheares keeper. Before halftime, a foul by Jiaqi resulted in him getting a yellow card and a penalty to Sheares. Fortunately, their penalty shot hit the bar and soon after half time was called with both sides tied at eight a piece.
First half score: EH vs SH: 8-8
At the beginning of the second half, our opponents started off strong with them putting one past our keeper within the first two minutes. Our influencer Ming Sheng tries to fire one past the Sheares but he is too strong and the ball flies to the other court. Both teams were in the zone and the match got even more intense. Bala levelled the score by picking up his rebounded shot to once again put his name on the scoresheet.
Bala powers through multiple defenders to put one up on the scoreboard for the team.
Seeking for another goal, he tried to fire a few more shots at the keeper but unfortunately hit the bar twice in a row. Sheares did not back down as they repeatedly pressed our defence but we stood our ground with the backing of Timo who was just unstoppable today saving shot after shot. He even saved a shot with his freaking leg!! At this point, we were behind 10-9 but then Kenson showed us why he was captain as he managed to sneak an equaliser past the Sheares keeper.
Things began to heat up with a collision between Jon and one of the opposing handballers resulted in him limping off the court to be replaced by Wesley. A subsequent slip up from Timo when his saved shot still managed to end up in the back of the net only added to the handballer’s frustration. Taking advantage of Eusoff’s frustration together with several failed attempts at goal, Sheares managed to score another to lead 12-10. Even with Sheares in the lead in the middle of the second half, our handballers refused to go down without a fight. Jon managed to put aside his injury and was back on the court in no time. Ming Sheng and Jiaqi scored in quick succession to level the score. With fire in their eyes, the handballers went on a roll with Bala smashing one to allow Eusoff to reclaim the lead and Shaoye with another to secure the lead. With victory in sight, Jiaqi manages to put another past the Sheares keeper along with super-sub Yusoff who scored minutes after coming off the bench. The final whistle blew and the score stood at 16-14 in favour of our handballers!
Captain Kenson was a pivotal cog for his team, coming up with key points to keep them in the match.
Final score: EH 16:14 SH
When asked about her thoughts about the match, team manager Denise said, “The handball guys really did their best today and even though there were a few instances that Sheares were leading, our team did not give up and played the game one point at a time and were eventually victorious! I’m very proud of the team and can’t wait to see them perform even better in the next few games!”
WHAT A COMEBACK from our handballers as they were always unwavered even though they were trailing at crucial parts of the game. Kudos to them for showing amazing grit and character in such an intense match. Let us cheer them on and continue to support them for the rest of their games! We’re proud of you guys!
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