Borak-Borak Floorball

This was probably the most highly anticipated match of the PFL Div II, with both the teams sending a complete all-male team, and with 1st placing in mind, it was sure be to be one heck of a match.

So far, most of the matches played in PFL have been rather lopsided, favouring one team while neglecting the other. However, this match spoke otherwise. As soon as the first whistle was blown off, Spearhead and FireBRANDS raged against one another with rather high intensity game play. Even though Spearhead was by far more inexperience as compared to FireBRANDS, they showed no sign of feverish fear to extinguish the 'fire' from burning.

Of the two, Spearhead started off with more gusto, taking more shots at goal early in the game. FireBRANDS somehow seemed lacklustre and proved to be a costly one. As Vern Sern of FireBRANDS who came back from National Service was returning to the court after being sent off for blocking a throw out, Spearhead spearheaded the lead with their Captain, Daniel Boey a.k.a. the Energizer, whipping in a wicked drag. The goal left FireBRANDS stunned but it also awakened them from their costly slumber.

Right after the goal was scored, the intensity of the game picked up a notch higher. With Spearhead's confidence rising from the goal scored and continue to frustrate FireBRANDS' who were in search of an equaliser. Just as the minutes was ticking away towards the end of the first period, the instinctive FireBRANDS' forward, Daniel Tan, unleashed a crucial slap shot and brought them back into the game, Spearhead?s wall has finally been breached. From then on, Spearhead went pretty much downhill.

With the score at 1-1, the second period promised to be crunch time for both teams. The period break seemed to refreshed FireBRANDS a whole lot more compared to Spearhead. With the lack of concentration, Spearhead continued on in their ridiculous mistake at the bench, conceding their second incorrect substitution of the game. It proved to be costly once again as new comer Indy slotted in the tie-breaker.

While Spearhead lost their momentum, FireBRANDS progressed aggressively and with their marksman, Daniel Tan on a roll, there was no stopping their hunger for goals. A combo from Captain Gary and Daniel Tan gave FireBRANDS a two goal cushion and even with Sherwynd?s sending off for unsportsmanlike behaviour when he challenge the refs? sending off for a push, FireBRANDS continue to dominate. Daniel Tan then completed his hat trick when Jay Sern got himself sent off for a high stick. Spearhead could only look at the scoreboard with dejection, there was just no way to equal the effort but nonetheless, it was a laudable effort from the newly formed team.

Final score FireBRANDS 4, Spearhead 1.

MoMs:

FireBRANDS

Daniel Tan.

The number of times his name appears on the score sheet is a testament to his performance and key roll in his team. Even though small in size, this guy has a good sense of balance and stability along with his natural knack in scoring crucial goals.

Although he started of as a defender, his attaking instinct often kicked in which awwa him often ending at the other end of the court. He was FireBRANDS sole creative outlet and with his guile and poacher instinct, he brought FireBRANDS from back to live and completed a hat trick that buried Spearhead's hope of any comeback.

Spearhead

Daniel Boey.

The other Daniel from the other end. Captain Energizer was a crucial piece of puzzle to the formation of Spearhead. As compared to FireBRANDS, Daniel managed to outshine their centre with his speedy runs and his aggressiveness. When it comes to tussling for any 50-50 ball in the centre zone, Daniel stood superior to the rest. He was definitely a ball winner in this match.

Knowing that his team is rather new, the captain took on his role with much zealousness, helping his team mates to cover as much ground as possible. This being obvious with his constant and seemingly tireless runs. Most centre would not have last as long, but this kid pushed himself in the offence while at the same time, psyched himself to run back at full pace to help in defense. His only weakness would be his lack of scoring instinct.?

Borak says:

An messy start ending with a marvelous comeback. FireBRANDS? ?favourite? tag might have taken its toll on the young shoulders as they started the match unconvincingly. It was headless chickens chasing all around and conceded silly fouls. Shaky at the back and lacking support from the forwards who drifted up way too high, they conceded first via a turnover at their half. They did improved after conceding, craving out several good chances, but failed miserably in their finishing when just a simple tap in was needed. Their gung-ho-ness meant that they were prone to counter attacks which Spearhead exploited and almost yielded in a second goal.

In the end, Daniel Tan?s calmness and vision revived their hopes and brought them back from the ashes. With the pressure lifted, they played better as they dominated possession, created more chances and converted more clinically. They were more like a team as they kept tight in offense and defenses limiting Spearhead to a mere 5 shots-on-goal. It looks like there is no stopping them now.

The fearless beginners, unlike their opponent, started off in energetic fashion. Their hard running and swift closing down kept FireBRANDS? defenders on their toes and forced them to concede mistakes. Their early goal a double bonus, it was crucial in sustaining Spearhead?s high spirit and kept them going as well as a mental blow to their opponent, leveling the playing field in the first period.

Eventually, it was their inexperience that cost them dearly. The equalizer was a typical miss pass by the defenders while lacking support from the front. The first incorrect substitution might have gone unpunished, but not the second and there on, it was game over.

The defeat was inevitable, FireBRANDS was far more experience and skillful, the lesson of the day was the importance of mental toughness. When all else are even, mental strength makes a difference; when all else are unmatchable, mental strength gives you the turn-over chance. In this case, it was the latter. Conclusion, your mental state does make a whole lot of difference.?