GOLD for hockey!!!

1st February 2008

At the end of a tight showdown with Hall 13, Team Seven emerged victorious in the finals of the IHG hocket tournament. A single late goal from Hichael separated the two sides, but it was enough to secure the championship for the lads.

Rain fell steadily on the pitch for the duration of the match, and Seven started the first half explosively, passing the puck to the wings after the starting whistle was blown. Both teams were evenly matched, playing a demanding game that involved swift counterattacks and stifling marking. Seven had the better chances of the half; the ball was hit wide after a scramble in front of Hall 13's goal from a free hit, and later it was saved off the line from another free hit. Seven's watertight defence was outstanding, dealing with opponents and dangerous set pieces quickly.

After a goalless first half, Seven began to play more adventurously in the chilly conditions as the lads chased after the ball with more hunger. While the defence remained as solid as before, cutting out Hall 13's play even as the latter continued to make forays into the attacking half, their efforts produced more chances. The puck was chipped just over the goal from a free hit and shortly after that, no one was able to connect on the end of a threatening forward pass which found space.

Late in the match, a pass from Firdaus from the edge of the 'D' eluded all except Hichael, who cooly put the puck past the goalkeeper for the deciding goal. Celebrations erupted among the supporters, but the match wasn't over just get. In the dying moments, Hall 13 sent in a dangerous pass from a corner, but they were denied an equaliser when it was saved off the line. When the final whistle blew, the cheers erupted for a second time, and the lads fell on their knees as they took in the scale of their achievement. Their triumph was well-deserved, for they played as consistently as they did throughout the tournaments.

Hall Seven 1, Hall Thirteen 0

-Nicholas Lim