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Jollilads 0 - 2 SCC

Putting a long week behind them, the lads from Jollilads marched into Queenstown stadium with their chests puffed and heads held high, knowing that their brilliant FA Cup performances in the past weeks have brought them the reward of a semi-final berth against the Div 1 Champions, SCC (the alphabetical twin of SRC). The grass was green, lush and flat, lights bright, and the biggest surprise being that there was a personalized changing room for the Jollilads team.

The team, although jaded and tired from playing 6 games in a short period of 12 days, were keen to leave an impression on the game, putting pressure every single SCC player, keeping in mind what Coach Arasu said during the pre-match talk. Although high pressure was put on SCC, they showed their technical and tactical intelligence by spreading and passing the ball around their back 4 and midfield quartet effectively, keeping Jollilads at bay. Attempts at Aziz’s goal were thwarted by the Jollilads defense, with Feroz and Rafi protecting the back four like how an eagle would look after her eggs, biting and sniping at every tackle. However, SCC finally managed to break through the iron cast defense when a cross from the left was whipped in with pace towards the ‘sweet spot’ (between the keeper and 6 yard line) and Andrew, alledged to have been shoved by the striker, glanced the ball past the helpless Aziz. Showing grit and determination, Jollilads tried to push men forward and take the game to SCC, but alas, the vastly experienced back 4 of SCC managed to hold them at bay till half time.

Coach Arasu made tactical changes during the interval, taking Rafi off and introduced Khai into the fold. The second half followed in the same demeanor as the first, with SCC stroking the ball around and letting Jollilads chase both game and ball. The sucker punch finally came when SCC doubled their lead, a cross whipped in from the right was cushioned by the left winger, and the striker stood tall to power the ball into the back of the net. Jollilads proved to be a tougher and more determined opposition than SCC thought, when they came close twice to pulling the deficit back to 1. First, Sudi drilled a trademark low cross into the ‘sweet spot’, and Chengwei’s header was barely kept out by the keeper, Fuhang’s and Winston’s follow up were subsequently block. Second, a low, driven free kick was knocked away by the legs of the keeper. The late salvo proved too late, as full time crept up.

Allow me to be emo alright?

Personally, I think this season has been a tremendous success. Firstly, I’m sure everyone made new friends, lifelong soccer buddies whom we have friendly competition with, friendships we will treasure for the many more years to come. I personally enjoyed my time playing for Jollilads, even though I’m always kept out by my niggling injury problems (a.k.a Daniel Agger, Jonathon Woodgate, Ledley King), but everytime I played, I really had great fun playing with such good friends who always serve to help and provide advice. I never once felt left out cause I didn’t play much, or because I’m not good enough. From the bottom of my heart, I thank each and every one of you, for providing me with such memories which I will treasure and look back upon graduation or retirement from the game. While most of the seniors have probably played their last game in the colours of the Combined Uni, please join me in applauding their unwavering commitment, evergreen enthusiasm, unbreakable friendship, and unquestionable leadership. Let us continue to strive for top honours together, and may our friendship stand the test of time and hopefully, despite our busy schedules, we are able to meet up for coffee, tea, or a soccer session in the future. Till next year, Ying Ni!

Contributed by: Kenmostdedicated player

Line Up: Aziz (GK), Chris, Andrew (Bolt), Daowei, Aaron, Rafi (Khai), Feroz, Fuhang, Manfred (Chengwei), Sudi, Winston

Unused Subs: ‘Away Away Away’, ‘Orange peeler’ Kok, Weiming, Kennard