Vanilla Stars vs Kinta

What a match it proved to be!!

Ferdi has the report :

"Dear Vanilla Stars,

today's match showed us what is Handball all about: "Passion, excitement, great moves
,tactics, important goals and fighting spirit". The match wasn't for the weak or the
faint-hearted. With the equalizer scored in the last three seconds we were able to
draw against Kinta and still leaves us the door open for the semi-finals.

From  the beginning  we knew that this match wouldn't be an easy one and would
require all our skills. Kinta displayed a tactical clever attack and also a solid
defense. With grouping their attacking players at the wings they opened up our
defense in the center and their right and left center back were able to find their
way through to score their share of goals. Therefore not surprisingly they took an
early lead. Only after we took an early time out we got our guts together and we
started to drive the ball and played out our chances. Also our defense became more
solid. Soon we took the lead, which we could extend to 11:8, but a lack of
concentration in the last couple of minutes reduced our advantage to 11:10 at
half-time.

Second half started similar to the first. Kinta took the lead and from there onwards
the lead changed between us and Kinta. No team was able to set off more than two
goals. In the final minute we had a draw 22:22 and Kinta was attacking. Again their
center right troubled our defense and banged a cracker into our net. With only half
a minute to go we had only one chance to equalize. The ball was hurried to the
middle and soon passed to the left wing. From there the ball came to Han who
bravely charged into the Kinta defense. They were only able to stop him via a heavy
foul, which resulted into a penalty for us. The clock showed only 5 seconds when
Romain took the ball and sink it unstoppable into Kinta's goal to secure a draw for
us.

Team & Score board:

Ferdinand D.     6

Ferdinand O.     2

Nicolas          1(?) (I thought he scored 2)

Remi             2

Thomas           1

Han              1

Romain           5

Simon            1

Louis            4

Vincent

Guillaume    (Goalkeeper) 

Next match is on 13.05. against Magnasoul.

Next training is on coming Wednesday, 25.04., from 7pm to 8pm at Wisma OCM.

Go Vanilla Stars Go,

Ferdinand "

Blogger’s note :

1. Was a really enjoyable match. Referees were consistent. Both teams were made of experienced players. Hard attacking, tougher defending. Thanks lots to team Kinta. We might just meet again. Also thanks lots to the referees.
2. Speaking of the referee-ing, just a small, small comment. I can’t understand the rational for some of the referees’ decisions. E.g. When Vanilla Stars are on the attack, Kinta come out to defend. They manage to stop the Vanilla Star player from advancing. Why is it then a ‘free-in’( or should I say ‘free-out’ ) to Kinta? Shouldn’t it be ‘free-in’ to Vanilla Star so that they start the ball again from 9-meter? There was no ‘travel’, no ‘illegal dribbling’ etc, in short no fouls! So why should Kinta get the ball? Another minor detail is that it would be good if the referees made their hand signals clearer (and correct). It became quite confusing especially when teams wanted to start a fastbreak or re-start the game immediately. I’m not complaining though!!! The referees were consistent!! The same happened for Kinta too.
3. To Vanilla Stars, just an observation. I think Ferdinand D. was right when he kept asking us to drive the ball more. Our drives died after a few passes, sometimes after only 2 passes!! Every time we kept it simple and drove the ball, it nearly always resulted in a goal. I take my share of the responsibility. Sorry bout that guys. Another thing is that it was my responsibility to stop Kinta’s Right Center Back. Spoke to Ferdi after the match. Realized that I could have stopped him most times. Should have been experienced enough to realize it during the match. Apologies. Won’t happen again.
4. About team Kinta. Guys, Kinta had only one bench player while we had a full team. We have to also bear in mind that many of the old hands from team Kinta were absent from the game. I didn’t see many of my old friends. I am not sure if the players we saw are the only players that will be playing for the rest of the League. I highly doubt that. It would be good to keep it in mind.

P.S. Internet connection a bit slow today. Will load pictures next time.