Written by: Irving Alexander de Boer
Edited by: Angelina Grace Pandiman
Photos by: Eusoff Works
After a long and hard-fought journey towards the finals, the EH Takraw team found themselves at the final checkpoint between them and the IHG title for 21/22. Despite facing Temasek Hall once during the preliminary rounds, fate (and of course great sporting skill!) had once again brought together these two neighbouring halls, in an epic showdown in the bid to be crowned champions.
The match kicked off with traditional team huddles and cheers with both sides confident they would have what it took to clinch the title. The 1st regu soon took to the courts, featuring Joel, Haiqal and team captain Brandon. TH quickly got off to a flying start in the first set, capitalizing on the mistakes made by our boys and pulling ahead to a lead of 3-8. Despite the daunting gap in points, our boys on the court kept their cool. After a series of great headers from Joel, they slowly chipped away at the points gap, pulling the score back to 7-8 and gaining momentum. However, despite the fortitude on display, TH managed to find a second wind, and extended the gap further to 9-14. Despite TH being on the brink of securing a first set, the fighting spirit of the EH Takraw team burned brighter than ever, pulling back the score to 13-14. However, TH eventually clinched the first set, winning 13-15.
The second set followed the same trend as TH's speed and match pace allowed them to take a dominant lead, going up 3-12. The 9-point lead might have signaled the set would soon end in TH’s favour yet again, following an inspirational team talk by captain Brandon during the timeout, our players put on a display of incredible fighting spirit. Kick after kick, header after header, they slowly clawed their way back into it, narrowing the gap till it was 9-13 and at the same time, catching the TH players off guard who had completely written off our players after the staggering 9-point lead at the start. However, the display of skill and spirit was in vain as TH secured the second set 9-15.
Spirits undaunted, the third set was underway. With the 1st regu on the line, the EH players fought tooth and nail, not giving any opportunities to TH to build a lead as they had previously. The two teams traded points equally, aided on by the raucous players off the court as each team willed their players on. Eventually, despite a strong fight and great displays of aerial prowess, TH secured the third set 11-15, taking the 1st regu.
Haiqal makes strong touches while having impeccable balance and flexibility, almost like a ballerina's.
Despite the loss, our players in the 2nd regu remained determined to even the scores. Featuring CJ, Keefe and Shawn, they promised to put up a good fight and give those watching at the sides and at home a nail-biting contest to watch. With skills matched evenly, both teams stood neck to neck after a while, with the scores tied at a level-pegging 7-7. TH then found some momentum, pulling out a 2-point gap, with the score at 8-10. However, our players refused to let them run away and pulled the scores back level, briefly taking the lead 11-10. Cheers erupted from the EH players at the side at the fine performances on display. Going into a deuce with the score 16-16, both sides proved equally matched, with the first set going down to the wire. However, a good kill by TH saw them pip our boys to the first set, winning 16-17.
The second set proved equally close, with neither team able to build a sizable lead. Once again, Shawn’s Ronaldo-esque headers were on full display, constantly pushing the TH players to their limits. However, a fine display by our boys was not enough to stop the TH team from gaining momentum right at the end of the 2ndset, clinching the set 10-15.
one of many "Ronaldo-esque headers" done by none other than Shawn himself.
the man, the myth, the legend.
The third set began with the lineup unchanged. Our players continued to hammer away at the TH players. However, despite the power and skill between our side’s shots, the TH team managed to find answers to each shot, pulling out an early lead. With the sweltering and frankly speaking, disgusting Singapore weather combined with the fatigue from the fast-paced and high intensity game, the match pace began to slow. TH continued to build on their early lead. Despite continuing to show unwavering spirit and continued athleticism, the TH team eventually clinched the third set 6-15 and the 2nd regu.
With both the 1st and 2nd regu going to TH, this inevitably meant that our players had failed in their bid to become IHG champions, with overall score going 2-0 in favour to TH. However, the score was in no way a justification of the fighting spirit on display on this day. Regardless of the score, our EH Takraw players continued to perform at their highest standards, refusing to concede the match till the very end even when the result seemed inevitable. Having had the privilege to follow them on this special journey through IHG, it’s clear that this team is chock full not only in skill but in fighting spirit. Fueled by camaraderie and banter, they have put in a great run this IHG season and at the same time, provided many of us with great sporting entertainment and a true display of sportsmanship which we can all be proud of.
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