Sticking through Tough Times- RVHS A Div Floorball Boys
At Hougang Sports Hall, the floorball boys team fought hard in a neck-to-neck match with Hwa Chong International.
RVHS face-offed with HCI in Hougang Sports Hall
RVHS started off with the defensive – players stuck to a half-court defense, cutting passes, blocking shots and saving goals, thus rendering HCI’s efforts to score goals futile.
At the climax of period one, RVHS incurred a penalty shot (in which a player fights one- on-one with the goalkeeper to shoot a goal). Goalkeeper Zong Hao picked up the gauntlet and did not disappoint. With great agility, he deftly swept his legs towards the opponent's blade, preventing HCI from scoring and maintaining the scoreline of 0-0.
In period 2, when both teams were placed under mounting pressure to score, things started to heat up. RVHS went for every opportunity to score. Taking advantage of the chaotic situation near HCI’s goal, Captain Ming Hao swept the ball away from HCI’s defenders and went in for a shot, bringing home a much needed goal for the team.
While having a 1-0 lead would certainly provide the team with some form of assurance, this one point gap was swiftly closed up by HCI. With quick passes that slipped through our defense, HCI immediately countered with a goal, putting a stop to RVHS’s momentum.
Commendably, the boys did not lose hope. They cheered and pushed each other to give their best shot. Their grit kept the scoreline tight at 1-1 at the end of period 2.
RVHS went into period 3, noticeably tense. No doubt, the stakes were much higher in this last period with each team wanting to beat the other. Both teams put in their best effort and kept their fighting spirits high throughout. Regrettably, in the last few minutes of period 3, RVHS conceded a goal, ending the game with a loss of 1-2.
Post-game Thoughts
While the team was defeated, their passion and love for the game have certainly not been subdued.
They have formed an external floorball club named “Juice Boys” and are currently competing in the Division 6 Floorball League. As to why the club name is “Juice Boys”, we speculate that it may have been based on the boys’ routine of drinking juice together after training. The team is also said to be as close knit as a family. In times of need, the boys count on each other to come together, despite their differences. The trust, reliance and confidence that they have in their team are proof of the depth of their relationships, despite the short 1-2 years they had together.
“Our teammates are those whom we hold close to in our hearts.”- RVHS Floorball A Div Boys Team
When asked about their most gruelling match, the team recounted the game with Eunoia Junior College and described it as a particularly tough fight as they were forcibly made aware of their lack of experience and mental strength. A tongue lashing from Coach Jill followed in accordance and the boys were thankful for that. Her scoldings drove some sense into them and they were thus able to sort out their thoughts, regaining their focus. Eventually, the team gained back their momentum and gave Eunoia a run for their money, ending the game with a loss of 0-3, with only a goal conceded in the last thirty minutes.
In another game with Nanyang Junior College, the boys recalled that they were leading after the first 2 periods. Unexpectedly, Nanyang caught up and fought back, defeating RVHS with a final score of 3-2. They described the loss as “devastating” but became even more resolved to train harder for their upcoming games.
The boys’ team has weathered through many storms together, with none capable of dulling their spirits. When asked about the secret behind their unconquerable determination, they credited the unwavering belief in their team as well as the willingness to work tirelessly.
RVHS Floorball would like to thank their seniors for leaving them with a uniquely RVFB legacy and expressed their hope to bring floorball to greater heights. All the best RVHS Floorball Boys... We hope to be floored by your play next season!
Picture of A Division Boys Team with graduated seniors and Coach Leng (furthest right)