Republic Polytechnic tear Singapore Poly apart in men’s POL-ITE floorball

Story By REDintern Wong Hong Yong. Pictures By REDintern Koh Yizhe.

Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Friday, October 10, 2008 – It was a David-and-Goliath encounter that saw defending champions Republic Polytechnic (RP) whip Singapore Polytechnic (SP) 14-3 Polytechnic-Institute of Technical Education (POL-ITE) Floorball Championship match. This was the second loss for SP, who were still reeling from the 2-7 thrashing by the Combined Institute of Technical Education (ITE) team in their opening match.

The game started in a blur as within 45 seconds of the start, the sparkling RP #9 scored to make it 1-0. SP fought hard after letting in that goal in an attempt to rid themselves of the tag of tournament whipping boys.

SP made their intentions known with two quick goals by their #6 and #9 to take a surprise 2-1 lead. But they were to be disappointed as RP #9 refused to allow his team to be one down at the break, equalising right at the end to make it 2-2.

On the restart, RP immediately went on the attack and again the impressive #9 was the thorn of the SP defense. RP nearly went ahead through #9 if not for the good save by the SP goalie. SP on the other hand were repelling wave after wave of RP attack and were lightning quick on their counter attacks. SP duly got their reward as their #90 received a pass and dribbled his way past the RP defenders before unleashing an unstoppable shot pass the RP goalie. The champion’s were stunned as the SP players celebrated in ecstasy.

But any plan of an SP upset were abolished as it was all RP thereafter. RP #21 immediately restored parity on the restart as the SP players allowed him too much time and space to put a drag shot past the SP goalie. A fury of goals then followed as RP exposed the frail SP defense, by employing a quicker passing play which resulted in four goals, with two a piece for RP #21 and RP #11. RP #17 scored after that to make it 8-3 to RP to end the second period.

The SP players were being outrun everywhere as their lack of speed and tired legs were easily exposed by the faster RP players. RP were showing just what it takes to be POL-ITE champions.

The third and final period produced another seven goals as RP refused to stop their relentless attack. RP pressed SP all around the court and it was paying off as the SP players started to constantly lose possession in key areas.

Most of the goals scored by RP were given to them by lackluster defending by the SP players. One such goal was contributed by RP #5 after the SP goalie had parried a shot into his path. He had the easiest job of choosing his spot with a wrist shot as a SP defender was shielding his keeper, when he should have stepped up.

SP’s comical defending continued for the rest of the period as they conceded time and time again. The forwards for RP in the mean time were enjoying the space and time they had. RP finished the match with a thumping 14-3 victory and SP were left to reflect on their disastrous defending in the second and third periods.

Editor’s note: If you recognise yourself or your team mates in any of the photos, please feel free to leave their names behind in the comments section and we will update the captions accordingly. Thanks!