Friendly Match (Div 2 Mens)

Event: Div 2 Blacks VS Div 1 RP
Time: 30 Aug, Thurs 7pm (Report 630pm Sharp!)
Venue: RP Sports Hall

Tonight, we dine in hell...
Msg Eddie/Alvin if you can't make the match.

Another Battle to Fight...

As we engage in a battle against the limits of medical technology....
Another battle beckons...

Behold!
The Division 3 guys are heading for the playoffs!

SIM Blacks vs RP Spartans
1st Sept 2007
2pm
Tampines Sports Hall

See you on the Battlefield...

Make Fang Smile!

Come on down One and All for an event guaranteed to scratch that 'I'm a good friend' itch of yours!

The 'Make Fang Smile' Campaign is on-going and will continue happening this weekend!

Ngee Ann City
9am - 9pm
Saturday (25th Aug)
Sunday (26th Aug)

Sell some drinks and snacks on behalf of Fang that she may experience the full effect of having friends like us!

HELL OF A MATCH!!! COMEBACK KINGS STRIKE AGAIN!!!

NUS Saints vs BLACKS FC

It was possibly one of the most exciting matches this season. Its a pity for those who could not turn up to watch the spectacle as the fans who turned up would probably have paid to witness one of the classic matches of Div2!

The first period was not smooth sailing at all for the BLACKS, who increasingly have a reputation as habitual slow starters, when NUS Saints went 2 goals up within minutes of the start. They scored the 2 goals with good buildup and hard running, taking BLACKS FC by surprise. After being hit by the goal blitz, BLACKS where shocked into better defending and barely held on for the end of the first period to prevent a further NUS onslaught.

Boosted by the late arrival of their top centre, Ishak, Coach Lionel made some changes to the lineup, pushing Alvin up into his favoured forward role again. Alvin, unshackled from the burden of playing centre this season, seems to be revelling in his role as forward. The move paid off in the 34th minute of the second period when Alvin got 1 goal back to leave the score at the end of the second period at 2-1. The uphill task of getting a goal back while containing the faster and fitter Saints loomed large over the BLACKS during the break, but the players were determined not to go down without a fight.

In the third period, the action heated up with the score see-sawing ridiculously! BLACKS, knowing that a loss would jeopardise their chances of promotion, ran harder and faster than their opponents. Applying full court pressure on the seemingly fitter but less experienced opponents seemed to pay off for the BLACKS.

The hunger showed by the BLACKS reaped dividends for them when Alvin struck again with a tap in to equalise the score at 2 all. However, BLACKS joy was short lived when NUS put another past Wayne after just 18 seconds following Alvin's equaliser, making the score 3-2. But from a free hit, BLACKS' Junming came in from a line change to promptly smash in a slap shot from 8 metres to again equalise for the team! That goal made the fans jump up from their seats in excitement. The score was 3 all. Just when the fans thought the game would tighten up with both teams focusing on not conceding more goals, the two teams decided to run the show their way.

Finally the dark clouds of a poor start seemed to be clearing for BLACKS. From a power play, Arland, who had been having a relatively quiet game, fed Gopi with a good pass and Gopi, reminding himself to keep his shot low and on target, took a shot from 10 metres out and scored to take the score to 4-3 in favour of BLACKS. BLACKS players couldn't believe they'd finally taken the lead for the first time in the game. What a match! However, BLACKS ,with their erratic performances, seem to do everything right at one moment and then everything goes wrong for them in the next. NUS capitalized on a defensive lapse and equalised again when Gopi misjudged a shot that was going wide and while attempting to clear it, accidentally kicked the ball into his own goal. Keeper Wayne was caught off-guard and subsequently, keeper and defender could only shake their heads in disbelieve. The score was 4 all!

Spectators, thinking the match will end this way, were in for a surprise when NUS took the lead with 3 mins left before the final whistle. That goal probably would have killed most teams but not the comeback kings of Div2, whose play is epitomised by their team spirit and never-say-die attitude. With nothing to lose, Coach Lionel showed his tactical experience by taking off Keeper Wayne to play 6 outfield players with 3 mins left on the clock. With the support of the crowd, many who could be said to be new fans who seemed to be thoroughly entertained by the BLACKS performances this season, Lionel's last throw of the dice paid off when the hard working Ishak slalomed his way through the SAINTS' defence and put in a shot which was saved by the NUS goalie. The rebound then dropped into the path of the fox-in-the-box,Alvin, who pounced on it and slotted the ball into the goal to equalise 5 all with the clock showing 59min 19secs, with the fans' rapturous applause threatening to bring the roof down at Tampines Sports Hall. The final whistle eventually came as a relief for the tired players ensuring that they didn't have to play for the 10 all draw! The excitment filled game ended on a high for the BLACKS. While Coach Lionel and the players felt they could have won the match, the draw was still favourable for them, leaving them strongly poised for promotion into Div1 next season.

Like the match, there was also drama and controversy on the sidelines when a NUS supporter was heard blatantly criticizing BLACKS as being a "rough" team when the SAINTS themselves played the same way. Apparently, the supporter did not understand how the game was played and was too hasty in blindly criticizing the BLACKS when one of the NUS players received a cut on the eye due to an accidental clash with one of BLACKS. ("Alamak Auntie, this one not chess club lah...") And that supporter failed to recognise the fact that during the game, when one of the SAINTS players was lying on the floor after an apparent knee injury, Ishak sportingly put the ball out of play. However, kudos to the NUS team for recognising that act of sportmanship by returning the ball to us. While the game seemed rough and the temperature was at boiling point at certain moments, players simply picked themselves up after challenges and carried on in the true spirit of floorball.

One of the players who epitomised the hunger of each and every BLACK during the match and who wanted to win bad enough was Gopi and his tenacity showed in the game, with Lionel naming him the MOM. Keep a lookout for a future interview with this key player from BLACKS FC.

BLACKS FAMILY STAND UNITED

***********

In spite of the trying times ahead of us, we will remain strong and positive. Let us stand united together and wish for Li Fang's speedy recovery. We hope to see her on court soon and do what we love to do. Play floorball.

hello

SINGAPORE GENERAL HOSPITAL - Outram Road Singapore 169608 / Tel: 6222 3322

Visiting hours: 12pm - 2pm / 5pm - 830pm

Block 5 - Level 4, Ward 54 / Room 14, Bed 4

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Reminder:

- Friends and visitors who are not feeling well are strongly advised not to visit till full recovery

- Please keep visitors number to a maximum of 3 people at any time as reminded by the staff nurse

- Kindly refrain from giving real flowers/plants during visiting as the pollen will affect her well-being.

- After matches, teammates are encouraged to shower before visiting so as not to bring germs. Instead, carry with you a smile on your face to brighten her day.

- Kindly on-pass donations in the form of cash to Adrian or Shyne.

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---We will stand alongside her and overcome this battle together---

"No retreat. No surrender. That is Spartan law. And by Spartan law, we will stand. And fight. And die. That 300 Spartans gave their last breath to defend it."

Venue: Tampines Sports Hall

"This is where we hold them. This is where we fight. This is where they die. And these shields fight. Come and get them. This is Sparta."

Date and Time: Saturday, 18th August 2007, 6p.m

"Spartans. Tonight we dine in hell."

Blacks FC VS NUS Saints

CREATOR OF BLACKS LOGO UNVEILED

Have you ever wondered who help crystallize the design of our logo? How it came about?

The logo was born when the pioneer committee went out to chill. While drinking and talking, a sudden gust of inspiration struck them and they decided on an inverted B logo to represent BLACKS. However, it was just a rough idea and there was no concrete design until Alvin approach his friend for help.

His name is Selwyn Low, a copywriter in the media industry. This blog is dedicated to his contribution to BLACKS. Thank you Selwyn!

DIV 3 GUYS MOM SPEAKS!!!

Actual words from the MOM Derrick for the match against the Spartans:

How do you feel being the MOM?

->I want to dedicate this to the rest of the players. 'Man of the Match' should be changed to 'Men of the Match' because credit has to be given to the entire team, not only in this game but in every other match. On a personal level, I hope to maintain a high level of consistency for the remaining fixtures.

Any areas the team should work on to do better?

->The team on a whole has been making progress since the first match, but there are still many areas in which we can improve upon. Technique, control, positional sense, off the ball movement, passing, finishing, communication, big match temperament just to name a few. All this comes with consistent training and match experience, no one becomes a good player overnight without hardwork. Observing the more experienced players on court is also extremely beneficial as you can adapt certain aspects of their play to your own. Finally, from a technical standpoint never be afraid or shy to ask for advice because it is difficult to learn technique just by observation alone. Taking initiative and asking for advice/tips for improvement is a sure-fire way of accelerating your own progress.


Any tips/skills that the you wanna share?

-> With regards to the above about asking for advice, if you think I can help you in anyway then feel free to ask me.

Just one more thing to add:- for those trying to self-learn the slapshot, you might have come across the GBFF video and the Floorball Shooting School video online. There is a variation in slapshot technique in both videos, basically it has to do with the way the blade contacts the ground but it is hard to see because it is done at high-speed. It's hard to explain in words so if you want to find out more you can always look for me.

Any scandals you wanna share?

->I'm pretty scandal-free! But between you and me, my life's pretty boring at the moment and I wouldn't mind a scandal or scandals! Haha..

MATCHES THIS WEEK

Guys triumph but gals whiter this weekend. BLACKS FC beat Team Squirrels 3-1 on Saturday while on the following day, SIMply BLACKS guys beat the One West Spartans boys 21-1 and our gals lost 3-0 to SMU Foxes.

BLACKS FC vs Team Squirrels

Playing the stronger of the Squirrels teams, BLACKS knew that they could not falter. Anything less than a win would cost their season. However, the game again did not start as BLACKS would like as they conceded an early goal when a defensive boo boo allow the squirrels to steal a goal. The 1 goal lead would eventually end only in the 3rd period when Eddie finally equalise. Fortunate for BLACKS as Fabius the fabulous saved several crucial shots to prevent further damage. That spark a revival to the patient BLACKS who have been trying to fight back. To win the match, BLACKS needed a clinical finisher and that came from Arland who put 2 past the goalie to end the match 3-1. Thats it... Win the last period and win the game. Something unique to floorball!

SIMply BLACKS vs One West Spartans

The match belongs to BLACKS even before the whistle sounded. It was not a matter of winning the match but by how many goals BLACKS will win. The Spartans although eventually trashed 21-1 but they had something to cheer about with a goal against BLACKS. The goal is a pat on the back for the future talents. Although the Spartans lost badly but BLACKS would like to wish those cute boys all the best as the future is theirs!

SIMply BLACKS Gals vs SMU Foxes

The gals seem sluggish warming up and that did translated into a poor performance on court against the Foxes. Our gals were out of sorts in this match and just could not get their act together. The ball went up court and almost immediately goes back down to their half. Simply meaning that the hard fought ball will eventually be "given" back to the opponents immediately. On top of the poor ball possession, our gals seem to be playing into the tauting by their opponents.
On the whole, there was no individuals at fault but the team as a whole just could not perform. So where is the problem? Coach not good enough? Players not good enough? Not enough training? Is there commitment from everybody donning the jersey? Is the commitment sheer hard work or just talk or feelings? Many questions cannot be answered but if the gals don't find the answer soon, the same excuses will surface... need more time to develop... need to gel... etc. Taking criticism and overcoming weaknesses must come together... taking either one, will not suffice to be a winner. Train hard on your own first before looking at the team as a whole. A little each goes a long way...

For the MOM this week we have the following:

Fabius the Fabulous - The permanent resident of MOM

Jiaming and Derrick - Jiaming for his goal fest and assist. Derrick for finally fulfilling his "sleep also dream of slap shot" goal.

Wang Wee - One of the most improved player in recent games.

PS: no interview this week due to reporter "not feeling good" hee hee just kidding...

BLACKS TIMES wish the BLACKS all the best in the next few games as its crunch time!!!

MATCHES THIS WEEK

Guys triumph but gals whiter this weekend. BLACKS FC beat Team Squirrels 3-1 on Saturday while on the following day, SIMply BLACKS guys beat the One West Spartans boys 21-1 and our gals lost 3-0 to SMU Foxes.

BLACKS FC vs Team Squirrels

Playing the stronger of the Squirrels teams, BLACKS knew that they could not falter. Anything less than a win would cost their season. However, the game again did not start as BLACKS would like as they conceded an early goal when a defensive boo boo allow the squirrels to steal a goal. The 1 goal lead would eventually end only in the 3rd period when Eddie finally equalise. Fortunate for BLACKS as Fabius the fabulous saved several crucial shots to prevent further damage. That spark a revival to the patient BLACKS who have been trying to fight back. To win the match, BLACKS needed a clinical finisher and that came from Arland who put 2 past the goalie to end the match 3-1. Thats it... Win the last period and win the game. Something unique to floorball!

SIMply BLACKS vs One West Spartans

The match belongs to BLACKS even before the whistle sounded. It was not a matter of winning the match but by how many goals BLACKS will win. The Spartans although eventually trashed 21-1 but they had something to cheer about with a goal against BLACKS. The goal is a pat on the back for the future talents. Although the Spartans lost badly but BLACKS would like to wish those cute boys all the best as the future is theirs!

SIMply BLACKS Gals vs SMU Foxes

The gals seem sluggish warming up and that did translated into a poor performance on court against the Foxes. Our gals were out of sorts in this match and just could not get their act together. The ball went up court and almost immediately goes back down to their half. Simply meaning that the hard fought ball will eventually be "given" back to the opponents immediately. On top of the poor ball possession, our gals seem to be playing into the tauting by their opponents.
On the whole, there was no individuals at fault but the team as a whole just could not perform. So where is the problem? Coach not good enough? Players not good enough? Not enough training? Is there commitment from everybody donning the jersey? Is the commitment sheer hard work or just talk or feelings? Many questions cannot be answered but if the gals don't find the answer soon, the same excuses will surface... need more time to develop... need to gel... etc. Taking criticism and overcoming weaknesses must come together... taking either one, will not suffice to be a winner. Train hard on your own first before looking at the team as a whole. A little each goes a long way...

For the MOM this week we have the following:

Fabius the Fabulous - The permanent resident of MOM

Jiaming and Derrick - Jiaming for his goal fest and assist. Derrick for finally fulfilling his "sleep also dream of slap shot" goal.


Wang Wee - One of the most improved player in recent games.

PS: no interview this week due to reporter "not feeling good" hee hee just kidding...

BLACKS TIMES wish the BLACKS all the best in the next few games as its crunch time!!!

Preview for the coming weekend

Div 2 (men) :

Blacks FC vs Team Squirrels
Saturday, 11th August 1400hrs @ Tampines Sports Hall

Having beaten their previous opponents, Cornvix, @ a score of 14-2, the biggest win so far for the blacks guys this season, Blacks FC lies in 2nd place of the Div 2 league and must surely want to stay there or improve on it for the remaining of their matches in their bid for promotion. Team Squirrels will probably prove a tougher challenge for Blacks guys as they are currently 5th in the table.


Div 3 (men):

SIM Blacks vs One West Spartans
Sunday, 12th August 1400hrs @ Tampines Sports Hall

Blacks guys went to Temasek Poly and came away from the match with a morale boosting win, beating TP Wolves Fort and recording their biggest win so far. Blacks Div 3 guys stand a high chance of getting into the playoffs as compared to their other opponents; their destiny are now in their own hands. They will do well not to implode and built on last week's result and hopefully break their biggest record win this weekend against the Spartans. The manager of One West Spartans have been a great friend of the club permitting Blacks to use their court for training. Friendship aside, hard physical challenges aside, Blacks guys will have to ensure that they register a good scoreline against the Spartans, who are currently lying bottom of the group with 0 points and a 55 goals deficit.


Div 2 (ladies):

SMU Foxes vs SIMply Blacks
Sunday, 12th August 1600hrs @ Tampines Sports Hall

Blacks ladies meet their arch rivals, the Foxes. After a thumping win over Road Warriors 2 weekends back, the ladies came up against a tough opponent in the Combined ITE team, who are at the top of the ladies league. Although the Blacks ladies suffered a defeat, they came up well against the ITE team, dominating the match early on. Blacks ladies will do well to bring their momentum into this game. Having been improving as a team, Blacks ladies will try their utmost to register 3 points for this weekend.




Blacks look forward to registering a triple kill this weekend, starting with the div 2 guys on saturday. Bring on the Squirrels!

FINAL LAP TO END OF SEASON

2 wins and 1 lost rounds up the weekend for this week. SIMply BLACKS guys Div 3 on sat beat TP Wolves 9-2. On the next day, the Div 2 guys beat Cornvix in the early Sunday morning match 14-2 while the gals suffered a defeat on by the rampaging ITE combined.

Div 3 guys

The match was really physical as both teams are in need of the 3 points ups for grab. Anything lesser from this match would not do both sides good. Aggression is the word to describe the opponents as they were bulging BLACKS all over the court. Fueled by their fiery coach Dennis, the TP team was all the more fired up. However, it was BLACKS who triumph when they keep their cool and concentrate on getting the 3 points. Kanan first got the score sheet before the opponents equalize. Jian Hong put another 2 past the wolves keeper before ending the 1st period 3-1.
On the restart, Derek playing in his new position as a centre finish an assist by Jiaming to increase the lead to 4-1. Melvin and Jianhong followed suit before the period ended 6-1.
In the beginning of the 4th period, the opponents got a goal back before BLACKS silence them with goals from Melvin (2), Jiaming, Jianhong again.

Div 2 Guys

The match started badly for BLACKS FC when Alvin mispass a corner freehit to allow Cornvix a counter attack which they scored to take a 1-0 lead. However, Alvin quickly redeemed himself with an equalizer within 1 min after going a goal down. From then on, the flood gates opened and BLACKS never looked back. The scorers for the first period are as follows: Alvin 3, Arland 1 and Azlan 1.
In the 2nd period, only Arland scored 3 to end the 2nd period 8-1.
In the last period, a free hit by the opponents managed to catch BLACKS off guard to give them their 2nd goal. However, BLACKS are not done with their scoring spree when they put another 6 past their goalie. Venu 1, Alvin 2, Kenneth 1, Arland 1 and Ishak 1.

Gals

The gals started playing at tip top shape, holding the potential league champions well. They even got onto the score sheet when Baoying and Priscilla get a goal each. But ITE is not going to take the strong defending by BLACKS lying down. They eventually ran BLACKS to the ground and finish the game 9-2. Great performance by the gals in the first period! Build on it and you all can go even further!

The MOM for the div 3 guys this week are joint recipients of Jian Hong and Melvin. Both players were outstanding and played with style and skills. BLACKS Times hope they will go on to improve further. We are unable to get an interview with them this week but players of their caliber will definitely be MOM very soon again.

The MOM for the div 2 gals is Priscilla and Wayne for the div 2 guys. Both players played consistently throughout the match and were trustworthy. We only manage to catch up with Wayne. Here are the questions:






How do you feel being the MOM?

W: I feel good but I also feel that I didnt do much. But its still cool to be the MOM.

Any areas the team should work on to do better?

W: I think the team improved alot already. Maybe we need to be more alert and not do stupid things that cause us to drop our standard. Follow the coach's instructions and play to our strength.

Any tips/skills that the you wanna share?

W: I think for goalies you just need to save the ball if you see the ball. Secure it! or else it will be in the goal!

A trivial for you! Any scandals you wanna share? hahaha...

W: No lah.. dunno anything like that... I always attract the wrong kind of people so you dont anyhow say hor....