Story by Siti Rohaniza Muhammad/Red Sports. Photos by Rebekah Abbott/Red Sports
Felicia Lim (SIN #15) vying for possession of the ball. (Photo 1 © Rebekah Abbott/Red Sports)
ITE College Central, Friday, June 12, 2015 — Hosts Singapore defeated Thailand 2–1 in their final preliminary match to top their group in the 28th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games floorball tournament.
Singapore came into the match with a 5–0 opening win over Malaysia.
In the first period, both teams had chances at goal but shots were either wide or saved. Outstanding performances by both Singapore’s Fariza Begum (SIN #99) and the Thai goalkeeper prevented either sides from taking an early lead.
In the 12th minute, Thailand’s Tongkham Thanaporn (THA #7) was given a two-minute penalty for an incorrect hit but Singapore failed to capitalize on the advantage. The first period ended goalless.
The second period started with both teams hungry to get the lead and eventually Singapore’s duo of Ong Hui Hui (SIN #51) and Debbie Poh (SIN #39) once again displayed excellent partnership when they found the opening goal. Singapore dominated possession in the second period but failed to extend their lone-goal lead.
Instead, Thailand found the equalizer through Doungsuda Onuma (THA #14) after a lapse in the Singapore’s defence.
Singapore then had a power play after Thailand’s Tongkham Thanaporn (THA #7) was given a two-minute penalty. Debbie Poh (SIN #39) capitalized on the advantage and calmly converted a well-delivered pass for a 2–1 lead.
The second period ended with Thailand’s Doungsuda Onuma (SIN #14) given a two-minute penalty and Singapore began the final period with a one-man advantage. The final period saw both keepers making outstanding saves. The fast paced and aggressive game proved to be one worth watching with both teams going hard to win every ball.
However, Singapore soon found themselves in a box play after Joscelin Kee (SIN #13) was given a two-minute penalty right after she came back on from a previous two-minute penalty.
Thailand failed to capitalize on this opportunity and the score remained at 2–1. It was a nerve-wracking match to watch which had the audience on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.
Regarding their chemistry on court, Ong Hui Hui and Debbie Poh commented that having played together in their club definitely showed when they played.
Singapore’s Captain Wynne Tan felt though it was a tough game, the team managed to pull through and get the win. “I think it was a tough game for us because Thailand is a very physical and fast team. There were a lot of scary situations but I am glad that the team managed to come through.
Looking forward to the final this Sunday, Wynne commented, “It is a very tough call on who is going to win. As can be seen from today’s game, though Thailand is a relatively new team, they have trained very hard. It is definitely anyone’s game and the team that wants it more will win it.”
With this win against Thailand, Singapore will face the winner of the match between Malaysia and Thailand in the final on Sunday, June 14, at ITE College Central at 3pm.
Singapore vs Thailand
Scoring by Period
1st Period: 0–0
2nd Period: 2–1 (2–1)
3rd Period: 2–1 (0–0)
Scorers
Ong Hui Hui (SIN #51) – 1 goal
Debbie Poh (SIN #39) – 1 goal
Thailand
Tongkham Thanaporn (THA #7) – 1 goal
Singapore Roster
Yeo Xuan (#3), Evangeline Poon (#5), Jill Quek (#9), Lim Jia Mei Vanessa (#12), Kee Josecelin Tingyi (#13), Lim Felicia Pei Ting (#15), Tan Jowie Hui Ying (#16), Wynne Tang (#17), Wee Natalia Clare Yuning (#19), Ou Mei Wen (#20), Khoo Min Zhi Denise (#21), Amanda Yeap (#22), Suhaidah Mohd Yusof (#31), Tan Jean Lynn Laura (#37), Poh Debbie (#39), Ong Hui Hui (#51), Sharifah Syed Abdullah (#57), Lai Soak Kuan (#77), Gracia Sengutuvan (#93), Fariza Begum Mohamed Zabir (#99)
Thailand Roster
Thiptha Supasuta (#1), Chanted Nattida (#2), Utta Sunisa (#3), Yoolai Pichavee (#4), Maneepura Mutmee (#5), Hinmalai Aunchleeporn (#6), Tongkham Thanaporn (#7), Theongkhunthod Sunaree (#8), Suksin Khwanchanok (#9), Ounmuangthong Nattawan (#10), Suppa Nina (#11), Watcharoen Ornpanee (#12), Toemsombatbowon Pornsuree (#13), Doungsuda Onuma (#14), Jornburom Vilaiporn (#15), Jutawijittam Nasha (#16), Phetpraphai Wibunsiri (#17), Duangporn Thararat (#18), Suttiprapa Somlak (#19), Bungnasaeng Sornsawan (#20)
SEA Games Floorball – fixtures and results
More photos next page
Leave A Comment