Republic Polytechnic close in on POL-ITE men’s floorball title with win over ITE

Story By REDintern Koh Yizhe. Photos By REDintern Wong Hong Yong.

Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Tuesday, October 14, 2008 – Republic Polytechnic (RP) moved one step closer to retaining their Polytechnic-Institute of Technical Education (POL-ITE) Men’s Floorball Championship title after a convincing 4-2 win over strong contenders, the Combined Institute of Technical Education (ITE).

Despite immense pressure from ITE, RP chose to play a patient game, trying their best to hold on to the lead. It was a physical game that saw players from both teams sent to the ‘sin bin’ many times.

RP had a dream start with a goal by their #8. A strong shot was fumbled by the ITE goalkeeper, which saw the ball sneak into the goal. The joy on the RP players’ faces clearly reflected how important that goal was. RP then sat on their lead, choosing instead to pass the ball between the two defenders as they slowly looked for gaps in the ITE defence.

ITE wasn't going down without a fight though, as shots were soon raining on the RP goal. The RP goalkeeper was called into action many times and his distribution was excellent as RP choose to hit ITE on the counter-attack resulting in an end-to-end match. Cries from the RP coach could be heard from the stands as he called for his team to defend.

Intensity showed as well when a RP player was sent to the ‘sin bin’ for being over aggressive while counter-attacking. With RP reduced to five men, ITE immediately took advantage of this opportunity and began to apply immense pressure on them. This eventually paid off as the ITE #68 scored close to the end of the first period. That marked the end of an intense first period with the score level at 1-1.

Just like the first period, RP started with a bang yet again. It paid off as the RP #12 finished off a pass from teammate RP #3 after some good movement for a 2-1 RP lead. The level of intensity stepped up another notch in this period. RP launched a series of attacks after the ITE #68 was sent to the ‘sin bin’.

It wasn't long before RP #21 fired a strong shot from the right that flew past the goalkeeper. Four minutes into the second period, RP had taken a 3-1 lead in this crucial match.

RP chose to once again slow down the game by passing the ball between the two defenders. It clearly frustrated the ITE players as they simply could not gain possession of the ball. Soon, tackles were flying in hard and powerful as ITE tried their best to drag themselves back into the game. They did so towards the end of the period when they launch a massive number of shots on the RP goal, forcing plenty of fine saves from the RP goalkeeper. RP hung on and went into the break leading 3-1.

ITE started the third period on a high note. Wave after wave of attacks from ITE kept RP in their own half. Despite the massive pressure from ITE, RP were able to defend well and prevented ITE from scoring for much of the final period.

During the final two minutes, ITE started getting desperate for a goal and the match got much more interesting. ITE replaced their goalkeeper with an outfield player and threw everything they had at RP. The defence put up by RP was remarkable as they just wouldn't yield. However, it was during the last minute when RP were defending against yet another attack when ITE finally scored.

An RP defender threw his stick towards his keeper in an attempt to prevent a goal. This distracted the keeper as he tried to hand it back to his defender. Unfortunately for him and his defender, an ITE player was already about to shoot and the RP keeper didn't noticed it till the ball was already in the goal. He immediately raised a hand in appeal but it was just as quickly turned down by the referee.

ITE were now trailing RP 2-3. This set the stage for the final minute as ITE pushed for an equaliser. With six out-field players, they were leaving holes in the back. This gave RP #12 a chance to score by scrambling the ball into the goal after ITE were unable to clear the ball away to finally seal the game 4-2 for RP.

With only two matches left to play, RP have a 100% win-loss record. They next play Temasek Poly on Friday, 24 October. ITE on the other hand still stands a great chance at finishing second and will play hosts Ngee Ann Poly on Monday, 20th October.

Editor's note: If you recognise yourself or your team mates in any of the photos, please feel free to leave their names behind in the comments section and we will update the captions accordingly. Thanks!