IVP Floorball Finals: NTU edged out by defending champions TP

By Neo Jie Yao

STILL BEAMING: All smiles with their heads held high after an intense finals
PHOTO: Freddie Tay

Singapore Institute of Management, Tuesday, 3 Feb –– It was a hotly contested affair at the Institute-Varsity-Polytechnic (IVP) floorball finals as Temasek Polytechnic (TP) successfully defeated NTU 4-2 to retain their title.

In an intense game, NTU fought to make amends for their 7-0 defeat by TP during the group stage. Despite being the underdogs, the team flew straight out of the starting blocks and scored within seven seconds. NTU captain Glendon Phua, 24, a final-year student from the School of Biological Sciences, rifled a shot straight into the top corner of the net to claim the first goal of the match.

Buoyed by the morale boosting goal, NTU did not sit back but was relentless in their pursuit of a second one. However, the passion of NTU’s players threatened to spill over and within the first half alone, a total of three players were given two minute penalties on separate occasions. This cost NTU the lead as TP equalised with their numerical advantage.

NTU forward Muhammad Asyraf, 21, came back on after his incurred penalty and scored from a quick counter. Having intercepted the ball when TP made a misplaced pass, the first-year student from the School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE), dribbled down the flanks and fired an unstoppable dragshot.

The second period started off as quickly as the first with TP conceding a two minute penalty. With the score at 2-1, both teams highlighted their credentials as finalists with excellent passing and build-up play as they went in search of the crucial next goal.

The turning point of the match came in the third quarter when a clash left NTU defender Muhammad Azhari, 22, on the ground. The second-year student from MAE was seen clutching his ankle and had to be carried out by his teammates.

The injury proved fatal to NTU’s chances as their lines were shuffled and TP immediately levelled the scores with a slap shot through the middle.

Within the opening minutes of the final quarter, TP then managed to score, getting ahead of NTU for the first time in the match.

TP was aggressive in protecting their lead with their captain Akmal Shaharudin, 19, in the thick of action. Akmal first shoved Asyraf over the boards as they both fought for a loose ball, and was later involved in a clash with NTU forward Brian Tan, 22, a first-year student from Nanyang Business School.

Phua came back into play following his two-minute penalty off court. However, NTU conceded yet again from a vicious shot coming from the left and into the corner of the net.

NTU almost pulled one back in the closing minutes, if not for the quick reflexes of the opposing keeper, who palmed the ball away following a deflection off his own player.

NTU captain Phua said: “I think the team today really gave their all, everybody put in their hundred per cent for the entire tournament but today was the best.”

He also recognised defender Azhari’s injury as a factor in the defeat.

“But I am very proud of them because even though one guy was down, we shifted around and we still gave our best,” added Phua.

Filip Dahlgren, head coach of TP, said: “It was probably very exciting for the crowd but not for the coaches.”

The 41-year-old added: “It was a good game, NTU played really well and it was a tough game, so all the credit goes to NTU.”

Sonia Chia, 31, NTU’s coach, identified the growing responsibility of younger players among the challenges for next year.

She said: “There are players who are leaving; they’re either graduating or going on exchange. I would say that this is also a good opportunity for the younger players to step up and assume the leadership positions.”