This was a crucial game as a win would keep us in contention to qualify for the second round. After the humbling on Monday, the boys were determined not to have any repeat of that performance. This was evident during the warm up and pre-game preparation as everyone paid full attention to the coach and geared up towards the game. The game was subsequently played at a very high tempo and it proved to be a very close and exciting match right down to the final second.

The first period got underway soon and there was a few nervous moments as both sides tested each other out with some shots. It was an even affair until Ryan score the first goal in the 8th minute, finishing off the good work done by Nicholas on the left side. two minutes from time, a free hit from deep inside the opponent’s half went straight towards goal. The ball slipped out of Eugene’s hands and an East View forward was quick to knock in the resulting goal. The period ended with a score of 1-1.

National Inter-School Floorball Championships 2009 (‘C’ Division)
East View Secondary School vs Catholic High School
ITE MacPherson
3-4 (1-1, 0-0, 2-3)

After instructions was given by the coach during the interval, the players went in to attempt to break the deadlock. Both sides came close on many occasions but the goalkeepers were equal to the task. A particular move saw Joshua regain possession of the ball on the left and fed it to Darrell who was free. His shot went agonizingly wide off the post to our dismay. No goals were scored in this intense period.

The players were building up in confidence. They were creating scoring chances and they knew they just had to start putting those chances away to take the game. The defence had to keep their focus for the next 15 minutes as well. Five minutes into the third period, Samuel pressured well and won the ball in the opponent’s left corner and squeezed the pass through two defenders to Darrell who slammed the ball into the back of the net to take the lead. East View was not to be daunted and moments later, they tried with a long free hit that eluded everyone. Eugene did not see the ball in time as it crept into the far corner for the equalizer.

Five minutes later, another East View attack resulted in a goal as the forward managed to get free from his markers. Joshua Lee, who was ever-present in the game, was determined not to let history repeat itself and in one of his forays upfront, he took a backhand shot from the left side which the goalkeeper could not keep out of the far corner. A minute later, Samuel combined well with Darrell to set up a free shot which Darrell could not miss. The score was now 3-4 with four minutes left to play.

However, we gave East View a glimmer of hope when Ryan was given a 2-minute penalty for delaying of play. With a player short, we had to stay compact and restrict the opponents from getting a direct shot at goal. There were several close shaves and in the last 30 seconds, the East View goalkeeper was pulled for an extra attacker. Time was running out and we were not going to let this win slip out of our hands as we defended stoutly. Darrell almost capitalized on the open goal only to skew his shot wide. By then, there was only 10 seconds left on the clock and Billy made doubly sure by keeping possession of the ball in our own corner to secure the victory.

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It was an excellent performance by the players who gave their heart and spirit for the game. The coach could not ask for more and was pleased with the response after Monday’s disappointment. However, there was still a game to be played before the final standings could be determined, but if we can keep playing at this level, there will be nothing which we cannot accomplish.

Great job everyone!