Waterpolo Semi finals (Edited)
Facing hall 16 in the quarters and hall 6 in the semi-finals was probably the hardest draw we could have gotten as finalists, and we got it. Sometimes, the road to the finals might be an easy one, but for us, it definitely wasn’t the case. All those Sundays spent in the pools over at Toa Payoh, swimming our guts out, and the very match when we lost our pride to the National girls’ team (except the IVP players), was just for this.
Now, close your eyes, and pretend that you are travelling into the not-so-distant past.
*Now that you are seeing this line, I assume you have already opened them.*
Imagine yourself by the poolside over at SRC. You see a sea of white jerseys and green jerseys gathered at opposite ends of the pool to watch their men in trunks. (In our case, men and shark) battle it out. In the midst of the passionate cheering, Ray, the captain of the water polo team delivers his pre-match briefing,
“THEY might be faster and fitter, but we have more skills, more techniques. Play to your strengths, and we’ll TAKE THIS GAME DOWN!”
The starting line was confirmed, and the game about to start anytime. I took my position behind our (self-declared) guest of honour, Mr Ervin Lai, anticipating a thrilling match ahead.
The whistle went off and at this very moment, Ray was burning with anger, for Alvin, our starting centre back for the day (and rock star extraordinaire) had swum into the centre forward position instead. The stark contrast between the cheering supporters and the very silence over at the bench told the seriousness of the situation.
More than a quarter into the game, the score was still deadlocked at 0 – 0. We knew we weren’t doing well, but the supporters never once gave up on us. Just when we thought the first quarter is going to end off with an empty score sheet, our rock star, still in his wrong position, gained possession of the ball near the goal. He threatened to shoot a few times, and with all eyes locked on him, sent a clean shot pass the keeper.
The whistle went off, and it’s time for a motivational speech by Ray before the next quarter of the game starts.
“Eh. Fuck you all. What the fuck was that?!”
That was the very line which motivated the team, one that’s all so impactful, all so close to the heart. The rest of the talk was pretty much about how we should be playing and the different techniques that we could have employed.
With that very line in mind, we played the 2nd quarter of the game with more fighting spirit and determination, never once allowing the opponents have an easy time. When we were at half-time, the score was 5 -1, with Kenryu (half heart throb, half Street fighter), Alvin, JianLong and Ray making the difference to the game.
Buoyed by the performance in the 2nd quarter, our players upped their game in the 3rd quarter, scoring another three goals. By then, Jon (who till now has been pretty unlucky with scoring) made his debut goal. Also, our most improved player, Kiat Yao swum the length of the pool to pass the ball to their keeper. Meanwhile, Ray was breaking out his party tricks and when he scored his (in)famous back shot (for the first time), the crowds cheers were contrasted with the benches chorus of boos and other vulgarities directed at Ray. The normally mild, Kenryu looked like he was about to bite someone’s ear off. Fearing for my own safety, I took a few steps back.
At game point 8-1, the game looked promising and a win seems to be definite.
But as in all matches, nothing can be definite till the very end of the game, and the last quarter proved this right. With a tired mind and body, we conceded 3 goals, which brought a glimpse of hope for the opponents. Fortunately, we managed to send in another 2 goals to drown the very hope.
A waterpolo game isn’t complete without seeing Francis (aka. the shark) turn on his jets. With his (metaphorical) dorsal fin slicing through the surface of the water, he turned and went past the Hall 6 players like a motorboat, not once, not 10 times, but TWICE! Unfortunately, their keeper managed to save both his shots.
With that, 10 – 4 sealed the game.
We hit a double digit score for the first time this season, and it was evident how much our players have grown since we first entered the pool some 4 months ago. Of course, not everyone could play a part in this game, but the passion shown by those out of the pool was definitely heartwarming.
The final hurdle against Hall 3 is high, but definitely not insurmountable. Sir Edmund Hillary managed to climb Mount Everest, but... that has nothing to do with us! This aint’t mountain climbing.
THIS IS HALL 2 WATER POLO!
By Hall 2 Waterpolo.
Edited by JCRC Publications.
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