Written by: Yusoff Kim
Edited by: Chen Kexin and Lydia Ong
Photos by: EusoffWorks
Takraw Prelims v KR
Lineup::
1st Regu
Brandon,Gaele,Joel+ Ethan
2nd Regu
Amos, Irfan,Isaiah + Jasper
3rd Regu
Dylan,Chong Jin, Fadi+ Sports D
The cold day had turned into a cold night as the team started warming up in SHEARES ARENA. Half the team had jackets on totally not to look cool but simply because it was cold. Coming back to face the opponents who won them 2-1 last year, it would be a daunting task. But the takraw team would be up to it this year, with a refreshed line up and Ethan finally in the team.
1st Regu
15-17(L)
15-13(W)
15-9(W)
14-16(L)
11-15(L)
2-3 to KR
However, the first Regu really wasn’t it, probably because Ethan was in it. Freshie Brandon was impressive from the start however, with strong serves straight into the opponent barely over the net, which netted the lineup a few quick aces. However, with a few adjustments, the opponents started receiving properly and keeping the ball up. Gaele had some rust on him though, setting the ball deep one too many times.
However, that rust was shaken off quickly, and he set the ball up beautifully for Joel to go in for the kill.
Joel was absolutely on fire too, killing the ball with headers multiple times in a row every set to rack up most of the points for the line.
Though every set was extremely close, KR took the first Regu eventually after a bloody battle to 5 sets.
Is this break-dancing, or sepak takraw? You decide.
2nd Regu
15-11(W)
16-14(W)
15-12(W)
3-0 to EH
The second Regu started off on the back of the hard work the first line put in, with Amos, Dinnie and Gaele (I mean Isaiah) in with substitute Jasper on the bench.
Unlike last year, Amos “Clown” Cheah was a solid Tekong, serving good straight balls deep into the opponent’s holes, forcing them to have bad takes and bad sets. His serves combined with Dinnie’s amazing defence put up a strong front against KR, not allowing them to go many points in a row.
However, truly breaking their tempo was Isaiah, feinting over and over near the net to throw the KR players off. Truly showing the Eusoff spirit, he fought for every ball even when they were looked like they were going to go out 100%.
Though the KR players showed some guts, the line took it steadily with a point lead most of the way, paving the way for the third regu to step in.
L'oreal, Pantene and Sunsilk where are you? Such beautiful tresses cannot be used just to hit balls over a net
3rd Regu
15-9(W)
15-5(W)
15-7(W)
3-0 to EH
Riding off their win, the new line of Dylan at tekong, Chong Jin setter and Faedi OFWGKTA + Sports D Pei Jie.
With Dylan at Tekong, the team had solid serves all through the match and Faedi pulled out the KILLS with the bicycle kicks nonstop ! Chong Jin also helped gel the line up well with his chill demeanour, helping them calm down between points. Faedi pulled through all the way, scoring multiple points through his great kills.
Halfway through the second set, Dylan subbed off for Sports D Pei Jie, who thought he was slick, checking the SMC livestream right before getting on. At the Tekong position, Pei Jie hit his serves well and instilled a new energy in the line up , helping them take the second and last sets easily.
With that, EH took the final regu and won KR in their redemption match 2-1!
Goodjob EH Takraw team and let’s support them through their next few matches!
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