Trojans G5: A Fighting Chance

"This is the only match where we can score some goals," stated Frontliners Trojans' coach Khor Kuan Yang.
Contact Bullets were the only Division 2 team against which the Trojans stood a fighting chance. And the Trojans knew that full well. They also knew that the Bullets were slightly better, having more experienced players and, well, more players.

All set, Trojan captain Roselyn Ewe (in place of still-absent experienced captain Serene Tan) faced off against the Bullet captain, both with their squads ready and waiting. Holding tight, the Trojans' defense did a sound job in fending off the incoming Bullets. Relatively new goalkeeper Bryan Koh did well in parrying away the Bullets' attempts at scoring a goal.

However, the forwards did not have as much luck and were found lacking in skills, although they did come close to scoring a few times. Both sides failed to deliver, and so ended a goalless first half. (The only casualty was the stick Wayne was using which broke near the blade while he was tussling for the ball. Floorball, after all, isn't a gentle game.)

Goals were bound to come in the second half. Only minutes past the start, former hockey player Loganathan raced up the court, ball in hand. His initial attempt to score was blocked away by the Bullet keeper. Loga immediately went in for the rebound. After a brief scuffle in front of the goal and assistance from Tania Loke, he swept the ball into the goal. 1-0 to the Trojans.

But (unfortunately, there must be a 'but'), the celebrations were short-lived as the Bullets equalised 1-1. They went on to score a controversial goal, which the Trojans claimed went through the side of the goal. The referees had the final say and the score became 1-2 to the Bullets. Only a few minutes remained, and the Trojans weren't giving up.

At the final nail-biting minute, the Trojans went all-out for a goal, defender Nareenthiran even going on the offensive. They knew this was their only chance to even up the score. The Bullets knew that too and beefed up their defense. With that, the Trojans' valiant effort was thwarted, with the Bullet keeper clenching the ball as the final whistle went.

And so the Trojans sealed their spot at 4th place. Needless to say, experience comes with pain. Although they did do better, as remarked by juniors' coach Kew Pei Li. They didn't go down without a fight, and that's what matters most.

Five down, one to go.