With an almost full squad turning up for this local derby, RMMers had every right to feel confident in this usually fractious tie. This was compounded by the fact that the missing frontline from last week turned up in full force and was also complemented by trialist Blonde Ken and international guest player, Big Phil from Wales.
Right from the opening whistle, RMM bossed the game and took the lead early when Flash That robbed the James Team leftback before sending in a low cross for Superstar Batigol to first time it home.
RMM then doubled the lead through great buildup play the ended up with Blindman Poon cutting through on the right before laying it on a silver platter for RMMs superstar to volley in his second goal.
The playboy superstar could have had another hat trick had he not fluffed a left foot shot in the box and headed against the post from almost under the bar later in the half.
On the other end, James Team's forward line only consisted of lone striker, Hammer. Despite being isolated for most of the half, Hammer came close but was denied twice by RMMs giant keeper Shark when he was clean through on the RMM goal.
Having strolled to a 2 nil lead in the first half, Guvnor made wholesale changes to the team for the second half with RMMs largely second string players making up the team.
Play became disjointed as the second stringers failed to click and get into rhythm. RMMs superiority however was not affected as the anticipated fightback from James Team did not materialize.
The closest RMM came to scoring was when Big Phil managed to rumble past a static James Team backline from a inch perfect Iceman freekick. Unfortunately for the big man from Cardiff, the onrushing James Team keeper managed to narrow the angles and forced him to shoot wide.
With James Team only managing to take a few potshots that did not even trouble the positionally challenged Speedy, the game petered out with no further incidences.
Given that this was a traditionally a highly charged game between 2 fierce rivals, it was a most usual ending to the game.
However, RMMers were unlikely to complain as the game yielded 3 points and had put the veteran's Maniam League campaign back on track.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Saturday, December 12, 2009
RMM 0 Starjet FC 1
The Maniam finally resumes with RMM pitted against hoodoo team Starjet FC for what seems to be the 10th time this season.
The odds were not good for RMM given it's abysmal record against Starjet FC. This was not helped by the fact that the entire RMM front line was decimated with only the semi retired Shark the only recognised striker turning up.
The starting back four of Zig Zack, Siyeh, Nitro and Snake hardly offered any reassurances to the 2 travelling fans as well. The only consolation at the back was that once again, RMMs best keeper, Guvnor was actually starting in goal instead of the 2 usual pretender and clown act.
At least the engine room had a solid and familiar look about it with Speedy on the left and Blindman Poon on the left powered by Hardman Joe and Iceman in the middle.
Upfront, non tackling Partyman Eddie and Shark started. Hardly an awe inspiring given both had no pace nor power.
Starjet FC looked solid as usual and having spotted RMMs soft core in the middle of defence, moved their African All Star into the front line.
That moved almost paid off as Starjet FC started strongly and their African All Star had 3 gilt edged chances in the first 15 minutes to put his team ahead.
RMM unintentionally plan to absorb Starjet FCs wave of attacks and counter attack worked well in the first half.
The wily veterans' best chance came when a quick counter attack found Blindman Poon on the left. Instead of running down a blind alley, the Blindman played an early cross into the edge of Starjet FCs penalty box that caught Starjet FCs other African All Star flat footed. Lurking at the edge of the box was Shark who had time to pick his spot. The former superstar striker went for placement and rolled the ball straight to Starjet FCs keeper instead.
The second half offered much of the same with Starjet FC bossing the game and RMM having to do some desperate defending. The introduction of Red Devil Meng and trailist Blonde Ken did not change the face of the game.
Just as it looked like the game was heading towards a face saving draw for RMM, Starjet struck. Off the 9th corner of the game, Nitro was caught bird watching when Starjet's African All Star easily spun off him to score a free header to give Starjet FC the lead.
RMM tried to mount a fight back in the remaining minutes and came closest when Blonde Ken miskicked in the 6 yard box during a goal mouth melee.
When the final whistle blew, RMM were left to rue Shark's miss and Nitro's bird watching.....
The odds were not good for RMM given it's abysmal record against Starjet FC. This was not helped by the fact that the entire RMM front line was decimated with only the semi retired Shark the only recognised striker turning up.
The starting back four of Zig Zack, Siyeh, Nitro and Snake hardly offered any reassurances to the 2 travelling fans as well. The only consolation at the back was that once again, RMMs best keeper, Guvnor was actually starting in goal instead of the 2 usual pretender and clown act.
At least the engine room had a solid and familiar look about it with Speedy on the left and Blindman Poon on the left powered by Hardman Joe and Iceman in the middle.
Upfront, non tackling Partyman Eddie and Shark started. Hardly an awe inspiring given both had no pace nor power.
Starjet FC looked solid as usual and having spotted RMMs soft core in the middle of defence, moved their African All Star into the front line.
That moved almost paid off as Starjet FC started strongly and their African All Star had 3 gilt edged chances in the first 15 minutes to put his team ahead.
RMM unintentionally plan to absorb Starjet FCs wave of attacks and counter attack worked well in the first half.
The wily veterans' best chance came when a quick counter attack found Blindman Poon on the left. Instead of running down a blind alley, the Blindman played an early cross into the edge of Starjet FCs penalty box that caught Starjet FCs other African All Star flat footed. Lurking at the edge of the box was Shark who had time to pick his spot. The former superstar striker went for placement and rolled the ball straight to Starjet FCs keeper instead.
The second half offered much of the same with Starjet FC bossing the game and RMM having to do some desperate defending. The introduction of Red Devil Meng and trailist Blonde Ken did not change the face of the game.
Just as it looked like the game was heading towards a face saving draw for RMM, Starjet struck. Off the 9th corner of the game, Nitro was caught bird watching when Starjet's African All Star easily spun off him to score a free header to give Starjet FC the lead.
RMM tried to mount a fight back in the remaining minutes and came closest when Blonde Ken miskicked in the 6 yard box during a goal mouth melee.
When the final whistle blew, RMM were left to rue Shark's miss and Nitro's bird watching.....
Sunday, December 6, 2009
RMM 6 Sunday Cowboys 2
With the Maniam League still in it’s Monsoon break, RMM were again involved in a friendly game to maintain match fitness. As with the previous week’s game, the weather was ironically good and the pitch at the Kelab Sultan Sulaiman in good condition with the exception of a few barren patched in the center circle.
Early signs for RMM were good as a squad of 16 were confirmed fit for the game. A look across the pitch also revealed that although RMMs opponent for the week, Sunday Cowboys had the dreaded token African player in their ranks, most of their squad members were also in RMMs age group!
As it was RMMs policy to give all squad members a fair run in the game, Guvnor had a bit of a headache in team selection. However, given the turnouts of the last few weeks, this was a good problem to have for Guvnor.
With a big squad to select, Guvnor could afford to be a bit creative with his selection.
Guvnor himself started on goal to give birthday boy and regular 1st half keeper Shark’s birthday a break. In front of him, the backline comprised of Singapore Danny and Aeroplane King in the middle, Speedy on the left and Red Devil Meng on the right.
The engine room welcomed back Hardman Joe to support Iceman’s guile with Flash That and Futsal Foo providing speed on the flanks.
Birthday boy and former hotshot hitman Shark started in his preferred position upfront partnering RMMs current hotshot hitman Superstar Batigol to form a past / present strikeforce.
With arguably RMMs best keeper in goal, the backline looked reassured and with Hardman Joe winning the battles in the middle of the park, giving Iceman the opportunity to break forward, it was a matter of time before RMM took the lead.
In one of his lung busting runs forward, Hardman Joe unleashed a equally hard shot that could only be parried by the Sunday Cowboys (SC) keeper into the path of the prowling Superstar Batigol. The deadly hitman needed no second invitation and promptly smacked the rebound in with his left foot.
The RMM superstar’s second goal not long afterwards when Futsal Foo’s slide rule pass played the lumbering forward into a one on one position with the SC keeper. With supreme confidence, Superstar Batigol passed the ball in with his right foot off the post for a 2 – 0 RMM lead.
RMM were looking dangerous going forward at this point with Speedy and Red Devil Meng joining in with frequent forays down the flanks as well.
Shark - RMMs other striker - however, looked short (no pun intended) of match fitness and struggled with the pace of the game, regularly being too slow in chasing down passes and spraying wayward passes. On one occasion, the towering part time striker missed a gilt edged opportunity to grab his opening goal when his diving header from another dangerous Futsal Foo low cross only managed to stop the ball dead on the spot.
The once prolific Shark finally broke his duck for the game when he ghosted in to glance home a header from yet another cross off the on form full flowing Futsal Foo.
Regular followers of RMM could be forgiven for having a sense of dejavu as RMM finished the half with a 3 – 0 lead.
Guvnor then decided to tempt fate when he decided to once again start the positionally challenged Speedy in goal with non tackling Partyman Eddie in front of him to provide the cover. Guvnor himself moved back to his favoured position in the middle of the park.
It was then the turn of RMMers to have a sense of dejavu when SC pulled a goal back not long after the restart. A harmless looking cross from SC was dealt with in typical comical RMM manner. The result was the ball falling into the feet of a thankful SC striker who needed no second invitation to put the ball away.
3-1 and many feared it was going to be Groundhog Day all over again.
It was then left to birthday boy Shark to change the script. Now partnering his most successful partner in crime, Mat Burit, he was played thru brilliantly by a Mat Burit through pass for a one on one opportunity. The giant strikers first touch was just a tad heavy and it gave opportunities for a retreating SC defender and the on-rushing SC keeper to clear the ball. What happened next was somewhat controversial as all 3 players collided and the ball ended up trickling into the net.
Although Shark had initially not claimed the goal as he felt he made no further contact after his initial first touch, the Dodgy Goal Committee (DGC) awarded the goal to the grateful striker. The DGS argues that Shark could have made further contact with the ball but had not felt it due to the collision or that his first touch had in fact carried the ball all the way into the net with no one making any contact with the ball during the collision. The truth was that he was probably awarded the goal by the virtue of it being his birthday….
The goal made it 4-1 and RMMers were collectively relived not to have to repeat last week’s scenario all over again.
That sense of relief was temporary shelved when SC managed to score a second goal to make it 4-2. The SC winger floated what looked like a harmless cross towards the direction of the RMM goal and the ball somehow ended up in the back of RMMs net. With a positionally challenged keeper in goal, this came as no surprise to die hard RMM followers.
RMM then had a great chance to restore a 3 goal lead when great interplay between Futsal Foo and Shark on the right resulted in Mat Burit having a great opportunity to bury the ball from 6 yards at the far post. Mat Burit however blasted it high and wide for another miss of the season contender.
Whilst his general play was good, Mat Burit’s confidence in front of goal was in shambles. The next time he found himself in an one on one situation, the chrome domed hitman decided to slide the ball across for the lurking Shark for a simple tap in instead. That goal meant that RMM now were leading 5-2 with Shark bagging a controversial birthday hat-trick.
With the 3 goal lead restore, RMM were now buzzing and everyone was lining up for a post thanksgiving turkey shoot.
It wasn’t long before RMMs Superstar Batigol got his hat-trick as well. Not wanting to be outshone by his predecessor, the hitman with the superstar looks and playboy lifestyle stole in at the far post to head home yet another cross by Futsal Foo to claim a text book hat-trick comprising of right foot, left foot and a headed goal.
6-2 and RMM did not slow the tempo down. The veterans kept on the front foot and were unlucky not to score more goals when the final whistle went.
The slide had finally been arrested and RMM would do well to carry this form back to the Maniam League when it resumes.
Early signs for RMM were good as a squad of 16 were confirmed fit for the game. A look across the pitch also revealed that although RMMs opponent for the week, Sunday Cowboys had the dreaded token African player in their ranks, most of their squad members were also in RMMs age group!
As it was RMMs policy to give all squad members a fair run in the game, Guvnor had a bit of a headache in team selection. However, given the turnouts of the last few weeks, this was a good problem to have for Guvnor.
With a big squad to select, Guvnor could afford to be a bit creative with his selection.
Guvnor himself started on goal to give birthday boy and regular 1st half keeper Shark’s birthday a break. In front of him, the backline comprised of Singapore Danny and Aeroplane King in the middle, Speedy on the left and Red Devil Meng on the right.
The engine room welcomed back Hardman Joe to support Iceman’s guile with Flash That and Futsal Foo providing speed on the flanks.
Birthday boy and former hotshot hitman Shark started in his preferred position upfront partnering RMMs current hotshot hitman Superstar Batigol to form a past / present strikeforce.
With arguably RMMs best keeper in goal, the backline looked reassured and with Hardman Joe winning the battles in the middle of the park, giving Iceman the opportunity to break forward, it was a matter of time before RMM took the lead.
In one of his lung busting runs forward, Hardman Joe unleashed a equally hard shot that could only be parried by the Sunday Cowboys (SC) keeper into the path of the prowling Superstar Batigol. The deadly hitman needed no second invitation and promptly smacked the rebound in with his left foot.
The RMM superstar’s second goal not long afterwards when Futsal Foo’s slide rule pass played the lumbering forward into a one on one position with the SC keeper. With supreme confidence, Superstar Batigol passed the ball in with his right foot off the post for a 2 – 0 RMM lead.
RMM were looking dangerous going forward at this point with Speedy and Red Devil Meng joining in with frequent forays down the flanks as well.
Shark - RMMs other striker - however, looked short (no pun intended) of match fitness and struggled with the pace of the game, regularly being too slow in chasing down passes and spraying wayward passes. On one occasion, the towering part time striker missed a gilt edged opportunity to grab his opening goal when his diving header from another dangerous Futsal Foo low cross only managed to stop the ball dead on the spot.
The once prolific Shark finally broke his duck for the game when he ghosted in to glance home a header from yet another cross off the on form full flowing Futsal Foo.
Regular followers of RMM could be forgiven for having a sense of dejavu as RMM finished the half with a 3 – 0 lead.
Guvnor then decided to tempt fate when he decided to once again start the positionally challenged Speedy in goal with non tackling Partyman Eddie in front of him to provide the cover. Guvnor himself moved back to his favoured position in the middle of the park.
It was then the turn of RMMers to have a sense of dejavu when SC pulled a goal back not long after the restart. A harmless looking cross from SC was dealt with in typical comical RMM manner. The result was the ball falling into the feet of a thankful SC striker who needed no second invitation to put the ball away.
3-1 and many feared it was going to be Groundhog Day all over again.
It was then left to birthday boy Shark to change the script. Now partnering his most successful partner in crime, Mat Burit, he was played thru brilliantly by a Mat Burit through pass for a one on one opportunity. The giant strikers first touch was just a tad heavy and it gave opportunities for a retreating SC defender and the on-rushing SC keeper to clear the ball. What happened next was somewhat controversial as all 3 players collided and the ball ended up trickling into the net.
Although Shark had initially not claimed the goal as he felt he made no further contact after his initial first touch, the Dodgy Goal Committee (DGC) awarded the goal to the grateful striker. The DGS argues that Shark could have made further contact with the ball but had not felt it due to the collision or that his first touch had in fact carried the ball all the way into the net with no one making any contact with the ball during the collision. The truth was that he was probably awarded the goal by the virtue of it being his birthday….
The goal made it 4-1 and RMMers were collectively relived not to have to repeat last week’s scenario all over again.
That sense of relief was temporary shelved when SC managed to score a second goal to make it 4-2. The SC winger floated what looked like a harmless cross towards the direction of the RMM goal and the ball somehow ended up in the back of RMMs net. With a positionally challenged keeper in goal, this came as no surprise to die hard RMM followers.
RMM then had a great chance to restore a 3 goal lead when great interplay between Futsal Foo and Shark on the right resulted in Mat Burit having a great opportunity to bury the ball from 6 yards at the far post. Mat Burit however blasted it high and wide for another miss of the season contender.
Whilst his general play was good, Mat Burit’s confidence in front of goal was in shambles. The next time he found himself in an one on one situation, the chrome domed hitman decided to slide the ball across for the lurking Shark for a simple tap in instead. That goal meant that RMM now were leading 5-2 with Shark bagging a controversial birthday hat-trick.
With the 3 goal lead restore, RMM were now buzzing and everyone was lining up for a post thanksgiving turkey shoot.
It wasn’t long before RMMs Superstar Batigol got his hat-trick as well. Not wanting to be outshone by his predecessor, the hitman with the superstar looks and playboy lifestyle stole in at the far post to head home yet another cross by Futsal Foo to claim a text book hat-trick comprising of right foot, left foot and a headed goal.
6-2 and RMM did not slow the tempo down. The veterans kept on the front foot and were unlucky not to score more goals when the final whistle went.
The slide had finally been arrested and RMM would do well to carry this form back to the Maniam League when it resumes.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
RMM 3 Blues Brothers 3
With the Maniam League in it’s Monsoon break, RMM had hoped to arrest the momentum of it’s slide down the league with this friendly game.
Ironically, the weather held up this weekend. Low clouds and low tempretaure but no rain made the conditions perfect for a game.
The early signs however were not good as the RMM squad struggled to make up a team of 11. With only 9 players confirmed fit for the game, it looked like it was going to be another energy sapping battle for the veterans.
Things were further complicated when the pre arranged playing venue of Kampung Pandan Sports Complex was double booked with 4 teams waiting to play on 1 pitch. After much discussion and a few frantic phone calls, the match was re-scheduled to the nearby PULAPOL.
At the venue, things started to look a bit promising for RMM as exactly 11 players turned up for the game. The pitch @ PULAPOL was also deemed condusive for RMMs slick passing game.
It wasn’t 100% rosy for RMM though as the absence of several players from key positions forced another creative re-shuffle from Guvnor.
As such, the team sported a highly experimental look to it with Guvnor starting at the heart of defense for the first time in years partnering Nitro. The not fully fit Zig Zack was forced to play on the left side of defense to accommodate the one legged Snake on the right.
The quartet protected the anatomically compact, first choice keeper (by default), Shark.
The engine room was powered by Iceman and the Challenge challenged Partyman Eddie with the Master Of The Alternate Universe, Speedy running down the left flank and the mercurial Red Devil Meng on the right.
Upfront, it was the tall and short combination of Flash That providing the height and speed and Mat Burit with his guile and measured approached.
RMM started the game well and were bossing the game from the get go and the 2 travelling fans for RMM did not have to wait long for RMMs first goal. Off a storming run on the right, Red Devil Meng unleashed a swerving cross into the heart of Blues Brothers (BB) defense that forced a retreating and panicking BB defender to somehow smash the ball into the roof of his own net .
Barely 10mins into the game and RMMs highly experimental 11 were 1 goal to the good.
Things got better for the battle hardened veterans when Flash That further extended RMMs lead when he coolly finished off a pin point through pass from Nitro to make it 2 nil.
At that point, it looked like a stroll in the park for the wily veterans. The defense marshaled by Guvnor were on top of their game, playing the line far up the pitch and executing the offside traps to perfection. In the middle, the non tackling Partyman and the creative Iceman were pulling the strings with consummate ease and upfront, Flash That was causing all sorts of problems for the BB defense.
There were warning signs for RMM though. On one occasion, the BB strikers played a through ball right down the middle spring the offside trap and catching the RMM defense off guard. The ever alert Shark had to be quick off his line to put off the onrushing BB striker who still managed to release his shot. Much to the relief of RMM, the ball struck the upright. The equally alert Zig Zack then proceeded to clear the rebound.
Blues Brothers were then presented an even better opportunity to pull a goal back when the referee controversially awarded them a penalty following an incident where the BB strikers struck the ball onto Zig Zack’s arms. Standing merely a yard or 2 away from the BB striker, there was no way Zig Zack was going to avoid the ball. On top of that, his arms were not even extended.
Given that Shark had a good warm up session involving penalties and side bets, RMMers had every reason to be confident in the ensuing spot kick. That confidence was vindicated when intimidated by Shark’s extensive frame, the BB striker smacked the ball against the same upright.
2 let offs in a short span of time for RMM and that was a sign of things to come.
The half ended with RMM taking a 3 goal lead when Nitro provided yet another assist. This time, his massive clearance from the back caused havoc on the BB backline. The lurking Mat Burit, who had been asleep up until that point outpaced the BB backline to easily slot home.
That said, RMM could have finished the half with a 6 goal lead as Mat Burit, Flash That and Iceman all took turns to miss gilt edged chances.
With a comfortable lead and seemingly cruising, Guvnor decided to tinker the team bit for the second half. In unleashing Shark upfront to revive his partnership with Mat Burit, Guvnor was forced to play Speedy who was still recovering from the gaffes from previous weeks and probably in need of some rest after the arrival of his second deviant child in goal. The non tackling Partyman Eddie also swapped positions with Guvnor in a bid to add more steel to the middle of the park.
This proved to be RMMs undoing as BB struck within minutes of the restart. A hopeful shot from outside the box proved too much for Speedy. The factually challenged 2nd choice keeper argued that he was unsighted by the crowded box but there can be no argument that he was woefully out of position when the shot was struck.
With BBs No. 10 pulling the strings, RMMs lack of fitness and thin squad was exposed and things then got bad to worse for RMM as BB struck yet again minutes later.
This time, the goal was struck from close range as the BB strikeforce cut through RMMs defense like a knife through hot butter. Clearly, a non tackling defender and positionally challenged keeper was a recipe for unmigatated disaster.
With this in mind, Guvnor reverted back to defense and Partyman Eddie was moved back into the middle of the park. By this time though, the momentum had shifted to BBs favour and the boys of RMM had to dig deep again.
Slowly but surely, RMM regained some control of the game as the match swung end to end like a Premiership match.
Shark came close when he was played through by a clever through ball from Mat Burit. Springing the offside trap and with only the keeper to beat, he went for placement rather than power. Unfortunately for the part time hitman, the BB keeper’s outstretched leg got in his way.
That miss proved disastrous for RMM as BB finally managed to find their equalizer. Again, it was their No. 10 that did the damage as he easily cut through the tired RMM defence before finishing off the move.
With the score at 3 a piece, neither team looked like they were going for a draw as the action went back and forth. Unfortunately for the fans that turned out for this game, there were no more goals in the game.
When the final whistle blew, the deflated RMM boys were left to rue their luck after squandering a 3 goal lead. Whilst this draw had arrested RMMs alarming slide over the past month or so, it was no consolation for the RMM players who now must know what it feels like to be a Liverpool player.
Ironically, the weather held up this weekend. Low clouds and low tempretaure but no rain made the conditions perfect for a game.
The early signs however were not good as the RMM squad struggled to make up a team of 11. With only 9 players confirmed fit for the game, it looked like it was going to be another energy sapping battle for the veterans.
Things were further complicated when the pre arranged playing venue of Kampung Pandan Sports Complex was double booked with 4 teams waiting to play on 1 pitch. After much discussion and a few frantic phone calls, the match was re-scheduled to the nearby PULAPOL.
At the venue, things started to look a bit promising for RMM as exactly 11 players turned up for the game. The pitch @ PULAPOL was also deemed condusive for RMMs slick passing game.
It wasn’t 100% rosy for RMM though as the absence of several players from key positions forced another creative re-shuffle from Guvnor.
As such, the team sported a highly experimental look to it with Guvnor starting at the heart of defense for the first time in years partnering Nitro. The not fully fit Zig Zack was forced to play on the left side of defense to accommodate the one legged Snake on the right.
The quartet protected the anatomically compact, first choice keeper (by default), Shark.
The engine room was powered by Iceman and the Challenge challenged Partyman Eddie with the Master Of The Alternate Universe, Speedy running down the left flank and the mercurial Red Devil Meng on the right.
Upfront, it was the tall and short combination of Flash That providing the height and speed and Mat Burit with his guile and measured approached.
RMM started the game well and were bossing the game from the get go and the 2 travelling fans for RMM did not have to wait long for RMMs first goal. Off a storming run on the right, Red Devil Meng unleashed a swerving cross into the heart of Blues Brothers (BB) defense that forced a retreating and panicking BB defender to somehow smash the ball into the roof of his own net .
Barely 10mins into the game and RMMs highly experimental 11 were 1 goal to the good.
Things got better for the battle hardened veterans when Flash That further extended RMMs lead when he coolly finished off a pin point through pass from Nitro to make it 2 nil.
At that point, it looked like a stroll in the park for the wily veterans. The defense marshaled by Guvnor were on top of their game, playing the line far up the pitch and executing the offside traps to perfection. In the middle, the non tackling Partyman and the creative Iceman were pulling the strings with consummate ease and upfront, Flash That was causing all sorts of problems for the BB defense.
There were warning signs for RMM though. On one occasion, the BB strikers played a through ball right down the middle spring the offside trap and catching the RMM defense off guard. The ever alert Shark had to be quick off his line to put off the onrushing BB striker who still managed to release his shot. Much to the relief of RMM, the ball struck the upright. The equally alert Zig Zack then proceeded to clear the rebound.
Blues Brothers were then presented an even better opportunity to pull a goal back when the referee controversially awarded them a penalty following an incident where the BB strikers struck the ball onto Zig Zack’s arms. Standing merely a yard or 2 away from the BB striker, there was no way Zig Zack was going to avoid the ball. On top of that, his arms were not even extended.
Given that Shark had a good warm up session involving penalties and side bets, RMMers had every reason to be confident in the ensuing spot kick. That confidence was vindicated when intimidated by Shark’s extensive frame, the BB striker smacked the ball against the same upright.
2 let offs in a short span of time for RMM and that was a sign of things to come.
The half ended with RMM taking a 3 goal lead when Nitro provided yet another assist. This time, his massive clearance from the back caused havoc on the BB backline. The lurking Mat Burit, who had been asleep up until that point outpaced the BB backline to easily slot home.
That said, RMM could have finished the half with a 6 goal lead as Mat Burit, Flash That and Iceman all took turns to miss gilt edged chances.
With a comfortable lead and seemingly cruising, Guvnor decided to tinker the team bit for the second half. In unleashing Shark upfront to revive his partnership with Mat Burit, Guvnor was forced to play Speedy who was still recovering from the gaffes from previous weeks and probably in need of some rest after the arrival of his second deviant child in goal. The non tackling Partyman Eddie also swapped positions with Guvnor in a bid to add more steel to the middle of the park.
This proved to be RMMs undoing as BB struck within minutes of the restart. A hopeful shot from outside the box proved too much for Speedy. The factually challenged 2nd choice keeper argued that he was unsighted by the crowded box but there can be no argument that he was woefully out of position when the shot was struck.
With BBs No. 10 pulling the strings, RMMs lack of fitness and thin squad was exposed and things then got bad to worse for RMM as BB struck yet again minutes later.
This time, the goal was struck from close range as the BB strikeforce cut through RMMs defense like a knife through hot butter. Clearly, a non tackling defender and positionally challenged keeper was a recipe for unmigatated disaster.
With this in mind, Guvnor reverted back to defense and Partyman Eddie was moved back into the middle of the park. By this time though, the momentum had shifted to BBs favour and the boys of RMM had to dig deep again.
Slowly but surely, RMM regained some control of the game as the match swung end to end like a Premiership match.
Shark came close when he was played through by a clever through ball from Mat Burit. Springing the offside trap and with only the keeper to beat, he went for placement rather than power. Unfortunately for the part time hitman, the BB keeper’s outstretched leg got in his way.
That miss proved disastrous for RMM as BB finally managed to find their equalizer. Again, it was their No. 10 that did the damage as he easily cut through the tired RMM defence before finishing off the move.
With the score at 3 a piece, neither team looked like they were going for a draw as the action went back and forth. Unfortunately for the fans that turned out for this game, there were no more goals in the game.
When the final whistle blew, the deflated RMM boys were left to rue their luck after squandering a 3 goal lead. Whilst this draw had arrested RMMs alarming slide over the past month or so, it was no consolation for the RMM players who now must know what it feels like to be a Liverpool player.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
RMM2 Sensonic 3
With the Monsoon season in full flow, RMMs slippery slide down Maniam’s mysterious league table continues unabated.
Fresh from a farcical defeat to Mat Blues, RMMs woes continued this week against a youthful Sensonic team that was not tipped to trouble the experienced campaigners.
With only 10 players turning up for the game, RMMs chances of stopping the rot had been severely dented from the start. A look across to the opponents revealed that Sensonic came with a squad of 32 players and a coach.
Guvnor was also forced to creatively reshuffle the starting line-up for this game. The biggest gamble was to field Superstar Batigol at the center of defense with Siyeh. They were in turn supported by Snake and Meng on the flanks. This was by far the least paciest back 4 the league has ever seen. Having said that, the water logged pitch somewhat negated the pace factor and Batigol’s famed Powershots (when it worked) provided much relieve to the overworked backline.
In the middle of the park, the engine room was powered by the usual duo of Iceman and Guvnor with Flash That and Blindman Poon running the flanks.
Upfront, Mat Burit was left to hold the line alone.
RMMs pacey wing play was a constant threat throughout the game with Flash That and Blindman skinning their markers with ease.
The backline however, struggled especially in set pieces as Sensonic got their opener from their first corner of the game. Off a floated corner, Iceman’s lack of height or spring was exposed along with Siyeh’s lack of positional sense giving the Sensonic midfielder a clear header from 6 yards. The downward header was not the strongest by all accounts but somehow skimmed off the wet turf in between Shark’s stranded legs.
1 goal down so early in the match with 10 men, RMMs wet afternoon just got harder.
RMM did however start to assert some authority into the game shortly afterwards with Flash That looking menacing with his quick as flash runs on the slippery grounds.
Then, against the run of play, Sensonic managed a second through a quick counter from defending a corner. With the RMM defense stretched all over the place, Sensonics managed to beat Shark easily for the second time in the afternoon.
2 nil down and RMMer must have feared the worst.
Long time RMM followers would testify that RMMs fighting spirit has never been in doubt and this was proven near the end of the first half. A long hopefully punt to the right was quickly picked up by Flash That who proceed to skin his marker and beat the on-rushing Sensonic keeper in 1 flowing move.
RMM finished the half 1 goal down and very much in the game.
All that however ended in the early minutes of the 2nd half. RMM started the half with 9th choice keeper Snake between the posts. Having not played for almost a month, the limbless reptile felt a pull on his hamstrings (no one really knows where a snake’s hamstrings are located actually).
Snake’s first major action for the game was face a penalty as Superstar Batigol decided that he wanted to be known as WWE Superstar Batigol instead. With that in mind, he proceeded to execute a standing clothesline on a static Sensonic player whilst defending a corner.
Needless to say, Snake’s next course of action was to pick the ball out from the back of the net. 3-1 down and RMMs fightback looked like it was flooded out again.
RMMs fighting quality showed again as the wily veterans proceeded to boss the game again. With Sensonic pinned back, it was a matter of time before RMM pulled another goal back and that duly arrived when under pressure, a Sensonic defender sliced a clearance back into his own box.
A lurking Mat Burit showed off his predatory skills by finishing off with a smart first time volley that gave the Sensonic keeper with no chance.
3-2 and game on again for RMM.
The pressure exerted by RMM for the remainder of the game was relentless as the rain soaked veterans stepped up a gear.
WWE Superstar Batigol came closest when a pinpoint freekick from Iceman found him unmarked on the 6 yard line. Unlike the Sensonic scorer in a similar position earlier, the WWE Spuperstar closed his eyes at the last moment of contact with the ball resulting in an astonishing miss. One wonders if he had been as inaccurate with his clothsline earlier, would it have resulted in a penalty?
Blindman Poon then had the opportunity to score the goal of the season when he jet skied past 5 flailing defenders before producing the most anti climatic toe poke one has ever seen.
Not to be left out, Mat Burit tried something similar by beating 2 defenders before having the ball snatched at his feet by the onrushing Sensonic keeper.
The final whilste was greeted with great relief by all 32 players and coach from Sensonic as RMM were left to rue the missed chances.
The most pertinent question however was borne when the last RMMers to leave found a pair of used but clean RMM shorts left behind by one of the 10…. How did this mystery player keep himself clean throughout the game in these padi field conditions!?
Fresh from a farcical defeat to Mat Blues, RMMs woes continued this week against a youthful Sensonic team that was not tipped to trouble the experienced campaigners.
With only 10 players turning up for the game, RMMs chances of stopping the rot had been severely dented from the start. A look across to the opponents revealed that Sensonic came with a squad of 32 players and a coach.
Guvnor was also forced to creatively reshuffle the starting line-up for this game. The biggest gamble was to field Superstar Batigol at the center of defense with Siyeh. They were in turn supported by Snake and Meng on the flanks. This was by far the least paciest back 4 the league has ever seen. Having said that, the water logged pitch somewhat negated the pace factor and Batigol’s famed Powershots (when it worked) provided much relieve to the overworked backline.
In the middle of the park, the engine room was powered by the usual duo of Iceman and Guvnor with Flash That and Blindman Poon running the flanks.
Upfront, Mat Burit was left to hold the line alone.
RMMs pacey wing play was a constant threat throughout the game with Flash That and Blindman skinning their markers with ease.
The backline however, struggled especially in set pieces as Sensonic got their opener from their first corner of the game. Off a floated corner, Iceman’s lack of height or spring was exposed along with Siyeh’s lack of positional sense giving the Sensonic midfielder a clear header from 6 yards. The downward header was not the strongest by all accounts but somehow skimmed off the wet turf in between Shark’s stranded legs.
1 goal down so early in the match with 10 men, RMMs wet afternoon just got harder.
RMM did however start to assert some authority into the game shortly afterwards with Flash That looking menacing with his quick as flash runs on the slippery grounds.
Then, against the run of play, Sensonic managed a second through a quick counter from defending a corner. With the RMM defense stretched all over the place, Sensonics managed to beat Shark easily for the second time in the afternoon.
2 nil down and RMMer must have feared the worst.
Long time RMM followers would testify that RMMs fighting spirit has never been in doubt and this was proven near the end of the first half. A long hopefully punt to the right was quickly picked up by Flash That who proceed to skin his marker and beat the on-rushing Sensonic keeper in 1 flowing move.
RMM finished the half 1 goal down and very much in the game.
All that however ended in the early minutes of the 2nd half. RMM started the half with 9th choice keeper Snake between the posts. Having not played for almost a month, the limbless reptile felt a pull on his hamstrings (no one really knows where a snake’s hamstrings are located actually).
Snake’s first major action for the game was face a penalty as Superstar Batigol decided that he wanted to be known as WWE Superstar Batigol instead. With that in mind, he proceeded to execute a standing clothesline on a static Sensonic player whilst defending a corner.
Needless to say, Snake’s next course of action was to pick the ball out from the back of the net. 3-1 down and RMMs fightback looked like it was flooded out again.
RMMs fighting quality showed again as the wily veterans proceeded to boss the game again. With Sensonic pinned back, it was a matter of time before RMM pulled another goal back and that duly arrived when under pressure, a Sensonic defender sliced a clearance back into his own box.
A lurking Mat Burit showed off his predatory skills by finishing off with a smart first time volley that gave the Sensonic keeper with no chance.
3-2 and game on again for RMM.
The pressure exerted by RMM for the remainder of the game was relentless as the rain soaked veterans stepped up a gear.
WWE Superstar Batigol came closest when a pinpoint freekick from Iceman found him unmarked on the 6 yard line. Unlike the Sensonic scorer in a similar position earlier, the WWE Spuperstar closed his eyes at the last moment of contact with the ball resulting in an astonishing miss. One wonders if he had been as inaccurate with his clothsline earlier, would it have resulted in a penalty?
Blindman Poon then had the opportunity to score the goal of the season when he jet skied past 5 flailing defenders before producing the most anti climatic toe poke one has ever seen.
Not to be left out, Mat Burit tried something similar by beating 2 defenders before having the ball snatched at his feet by the onrushing Sensonic keeper.
The final whilste was greeted with great relief by all 32 players and coach from Sensonic as RMM were left to rue the missed chances.
The most pertinent question however was borne when the last RMMers to leave found a pair of used but clean RMM shorts left behind by one of the 10…. How did this mystery player keep himself clean throughout the game in these padi field conditions!?
Saturday, November 14, 2009
RMM 3 Mat Blues 5
RMMs prayers for a dry pitch during the Monsoon season was answered this week but unfortunately for the wily veterans, the Cochrane pitch wasn't any better dry either. With most of the pitch overgrown and the lines missing, RMMs slick passing game would be adversely affected as well.
However, it turned out that it wasn't the pitch that was RMMs biggest threat. That threat came internally from RMM's own keepers who chose this game to press the self destruct button... repeatedly.
That self destruction button was pressed as early as the 3rd minute when 1st choice keeper Shark miscued a back pass from Danny into the path of a loitering Mat Blues striker. The striker then easily rounded the beached Shark before scoring.
That set the tone for the match and as much as Guvnor tried to galvanize the troops, it was an uphill battle from that point.
It also didn't help that RMMs backline had a distinctively makeshift look with Speedy, Danny, Hardman Joe and Red Devil Meng strung across the back.
RMM were soon 2 - 0 down as the Mat Blues wingers repeatedly stretched the RMM backs over and over again.
At this stage, it looked like it was all over for RMM as the team offered no resistance at the back and no thrust upfront with Blindman Poon running up and down blind alleys again.
Then against the run of play, sub right back Zack provided a telling cross / shot that floated into the direction of the Mat Blues goal. From out of nowhere, Futsal Foo charged in and appeared to have caught the ball on the line before grounding it for a try behind the goal line and under the post. Futsal Foo it appears, has aspirations to be Rugby Foo as well.
RMM went into the break with only a goal down and were looking forward to a better second half.
The customary switch in goal was then made with 2nd choice keeper Speedy going in at goal and Shark switching to left back. So concerned was Speedy with Shark's lack of match fitness and his running technique in such difficult conditions that he was seen giving some last minute technical and agricultural advise to his team mate on how to handle such surfaces.
As it turned out, the advise clearly didn't work as Shark was skinned over and over again by the rampaging Mat Blues right winger.
During one of those skinning sessions, the Mat Blues winger easily beat Shark out wide before firing a shot towards the near post. It was then left to Speedy to press the self destruct button next as the self styled Master Of The Alternative Universe was nowhere to be seen as he had taken up position in the middle of the goal instead. 3-1 and the worst was yet to come.
That came minutes later when this time, the Mat Blues came attacking came down RMMs right which resulted in the other Mat Blues winger firing a speculative shot that rolled weakly towards the RMM goal. As the RMM players turned to face the opponents and waited for the goal kick, Speedy raised his hand and watched the ball trickle in via his near post. The self destruct button was pressed for the 3rd time.
That was Speedy's last act of the game as Guvnor decided to spare the shell shocked 2nd choice keeper who seemed to have retreated deep into his alternate universe. Having given technical and agricultural advise on how to run on the turf, it may be a good idea for Speedy to also study how the ball rolls on such surfaces as well.
In came 3rd choice keeper Futsal Foo. Given his impressive attempt at catching and grounding the ball for RMMs only goal so far, there was every reason for Guvnor to feel confident that RMMs goalkeeping nightmare for the afternoon was finally over. The fact that Futsal Foo had let in an almost identical goal to Speedy's last gaffe recently may have slipped from Guvnor's memory.
With the score now at 4-1 from 3 glaring goal keeping blunders, one would think that RMMs misfortune may finally be over. That was not to be as what may be the most controversial incident of the afternoon was next.
Before he had hardly warmed his gloves, Futsal Foo found himself under another Mat Blues attack and found himself staring at a shot directly onto his body through a crowded box. Unfortunately for RMMs 3rd choice keeper, he let the shot slip under his body. Under any other circumstances, he would have had an earful from his team mates but given the previous 4 goals, this seemed a minor offense to his teammates.
What was unique about this goal was the actual standing of the goal. Some RMMers swore that it was disallowed for offside whilst others argues that it stood. The final decision of this 'Phantom' goal was never clarified with the match officials.
It can however be safely reported that RMM did manage to pull 2 goals back from Guvnor who had his goal handed on a silver platter by Flash That and a rare header from RMMs superstar striker, Batigol who was back after a lean spell.
Was the final score 5-3 or 4-3? A sneak peek at the super secretive Maniam's League table may shed some light into that. The talking point though was not really the 'Phatom' goal but rather the way RMMs keepers self destructed.
However, it turned out that it wasn't the pitch that was RMMs biggest threat. That threat came internally from RMM's own keepers who chose this game to press the self destruct button... repeatedly.
That self destruction button was pressed as early as the 3rd minute when 1st choice keeper Shark miscued a back pass from Danny into the path of a loitering Mat Blues striker. The striker then easily rounded the beached Shark before scoring.
That set the tone for the match and as much as Guvnor tried to galvanize the troops, it was an uphill battle from that point.
It also didn't help that RMMs backline had a distinctively makeshift look with Speedy, Danny, Hardman Joe and Red Devil Meng strung across the back.
RMM were soon 2 - 0 down as the Mat Blues wingers repeatedly stretched the RMM backs over and over again.
At this stage, it looked like it was all over for RMM as the team offered no resistance at the back and no thrust upfront with Blindman Poon running up and down blind alleys again.
Then against the run of play, sub right back Zack provided a telling cross / shot that floated into the direction of the Mat Blues goal. From out of nowhere, Futsal Foo charged in and appeared to have caught the ball on the line before grounding it for a try behind the goal line and under the post. Futsal Foo it appears, has aspirations to be Rugby Foo as well.
RMM went into the break with only a goal down and were looking forward to a better second half.
The customary switch in goal was then made with 2nd choice keeper Speedy going in at goal and Shark switching to left back. So concerned was Speedy with Shark's lack of match fitness and his running technique in such difficult conditions that he was seen giving some last minute technical and agricultural advise to his team mate on how to handle such surfaces.
As it turned out, the advise clearly didn't work as Shark was skinned over and over again by the rampaging Mat Blues right winger.
During one of those skinning sessions, the Mat Blues winger easily beat Shark out wide before firing a shot towards the near post. It was then left to Speedy to press the self destruct button next as the self styled Master Of The Alternative Universe was nowhere to be seen as he had taken up position in the middle of the goal instead. 3-1 and the worst was yet to come.
That came minutes later when this time, the Mat Blues came attacking came down RMMs right which resulted in the other Mat Blues winger firing a speculative shot that rolled weakly towards the RMM goal. As the RMM players turned to face the opponents and waited for the goal kick, Speedy raised his hand and watched the ball trickle in via his near post. The self destruct button was pressed for the 3rd time.
That was Speedy's last act of the game as Guvnor decided to spare the shell shocked 2nd choice keeper who seemed to have retreated deep into his alternate universe. Having given technical and agricultural advise on how to run on the turf, it may be a good idea for Speedy to also study how the ball rolls on such surfaces as well.
In came 3rd choice keeper Futsal Foo. Given his impressive attempt at catching and grounding the ball for RMMs only goal so far, there was every reason for Guvnor to feel confident that RMMs goalkeeping nightmare for the afternoon was finally over. The fact that Futsal Foo had let in an almost identical goal to Speedy's last gaffe recently may have slipped from Guvnor's memory.
With the score now at 4-1 from 3 glaring goal keeping blunders, one would think that RMMs misfortune may finally be over. That was not to be as what may be the most controversial incident of the afternoon was next.
Before he had hardly warmed his gloves, Futsal Foo found himself under another Mat Blues attack and found himself staring at a shot directly onto his body through a crowded box. Unfortunately for RMMs 3rd choice keeper, he let the shot slip under his body. Under any other circumstances, he would have had an earful from his team mates but given the previous 4 goals, this seemed a minor offense to his teammates.
What was unique about this goal was the actual standing of the goal. Some RMMers swore that it was disallowed for offside whilst others argues that it stood. The final decision of this 'Phantom' goal was never clarified with the match officials.
It can however be safely reported that RMM did manage to pull 2 goals back from Guvnor who had his goal handed on a silver platter by Flash That and a rare header from RMMs superstar striker, Batigol who was back after a lean spell.
Was the final score 5-3 or 4-3? A sneak peek at the super secretive Maniam's League table may shed some light into that. The talking point though was not really the 'Phatom' goal but rather the way RMMs keepers self destructed.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
RMM 0 Starjet 3
A week after rain wrecked havoc on their fixture, it was dejavu for RMM as another rain soaked afternoon produced yet another waterlogged pitch for this fixture at Pandan Sports Complex.
Facing a Starjet team has never been easy for RMM. The best results the wily veterans had achieved against Starjet had been a draw. This record did not look like it was going to improve when RMMers discovered that the waterlogged pitch was in worse condition than last week's. Given RMMs game was all about slick passing, this was a definite disadvantage.
RMMs discomfort with the playing was obvious from the first whistle and the African imports from Starjet took full advantage of that. They controlled play from the middle of the park with their close ball control, tireless running and strength.
One would assume that these African all Stars would struggle on the pitch that looked more like padi field than a football pitch. Unfortunately for RMM, these African all Stars took to the water like hungry Serengeti crocodiles.
With RMM unable to produce any type of rhythm at all in the first half, it was no surprise that Starjet took the lead in the middle of the half when one of their African all Stars was stole into the RMM box to control and swivel in a shot with 1 smooth motion to beat the grounded Shark.
The giant keeper was called into action time and again during the half. Having to face an one on one situation, making a full length dive with his massive frame and on one comical occasion, almost dropping the ball into his own net whilst fielding a cross.
In between, the game was a mess of miskicks and splashing water.
RMM had a chance to level the game early in the second half when the Chrome Domed Mat Burit once again snatched at his shot when he found himself faced with another opportunity to score.
The well rounded hitman's wastefulness in front of goal during the monsoon season must surely be a worry for RMMs life time President, Guvnor. Given his natural height, a spell in goal may just be what he needs to bring his mojo back.
RMMs hope of salvaging anything from the game went with that miss and the drowning veterans found themselves 2 goals down a few minutes later after being caught on a quick counter with 2 African all Stars bearing in on goal.
The final nail came towards the end when another quick counter produced the 3rd Starjet goal. This time, Shark was embarrassingly beaten on his near post.
Once that goal went in, the game petered out as darkness fell and RMMers drowned.
With the Monsoon season full on now, RMMs chances in the Maniam League seems to be sinking in the Klang Valley mud pitches.
Facing a Starjet team has never been easy for RMM. The best results the wily veterans had achieved against Starjet had been a draw. This record did not look like it was going to improve when RMMers discovered that the waterlogged pitch was in worse condition than last week's. Given RMMs game was all about slick passing, this was a definite disadvantage.
RMMs discomfort with the playing was obvious from the first whistle and the African imports from Starjet took full advantage of that. They controlled play from the middle of the park with their close ball control, tireless running and strength.
One would assume that these African all Stars would struggle on the pitch that looked more like padi field than a football pitch. Unfortunately for RMM, these African all Stars took to the water like hungry Serengeti crocodiles.
With RMM unable to produce any type of rhythm at all in the first half, it was no surprise that Starjet took the lead in the middle of the half when one of their African all Stars was stole into the RMM box to control and swivel in a shot with 1 smooth motion to beat the grounded Shark.
The giant keeper was called into action time and again during the half. Having to face an one on one situation, making a full length dive with his massive frame and on one comical occasion, almost dropping the ball into his own net whilst fielding a cross.
In between, the game was a mess of miskicks and splashing water.
RMM had a chance to level the game early in the second half when the Chrome Domed Mat Burit once again snatched at his shot when he found himself faced with another opportunity to score.
The well rounded hitman's wastefulness in front of goal during the monsoon season must surely be a worry for RMMs life time President, Guvnor. Given his natural height, a spell in goal may just be what he needs to bring his mojo back.
RMMs hope of salvaging anything from the game went with that miss and the drowning veterans found themselves 2 goals down a few minutes later after being caught on a quick counter with 2 African all Stars bearing in on goal.
The final nail came towards the end when another quick counter produced the 3rd Starjet goal. This time, Shark was embarrassingly beaten on his near post.
Once that goal went in, the game petered out as darkness fell and RMMers drowned.
With the Monsoon season full on now, RMMs chances in the Maniam League seems to be sinking in the Klang Valley mud pitches.
Friday, October 30, 2009
RMM 1 SPFC 0
After a week of week anticipation, this game was like a damp squid to most RMMers.
A combination of far away location, bad weather, latecomers and a water logged pitch all pointed to the postponement of the match.
Whne the rain finally stopped and the dust settled, the ehthusiasm amongst RMMers were somewhat dampened with some (ok maybe just 1) RMMers leaving even before any decision on the match was even made.
This was not helped by the fact that SPFC were only represented by 8 players at the time of kick off, leaving RMM to loan the reserve players (Thong and Zack) to SPFC.
The game in itself wasn't much to shout about as the total time played hardly exceed 30 minutes in total.
Batigol finally regained his scoring touch and scored the game's solitary goal in the first half. The only other occasions that warranted any mention on this report would be Mat Burit's 2 glaring misses that would top the 'miss of the season' list. Both were 1 on 1 chances that even Danny would have put away.
The other occasions worth mentioning were SPFC hitting the woodwork thrice in the 2nd half. The 1st of the 3 coming straight off the kick off. Whilst the whole team seemingly aware of the SPFC midfielders intention to blast the ball from the center circle and shouting warnings at him, RMMs 3rd choice keeper, Archi was blissfully unware of the incoming punt and was releived to see the ball bounce of his right post.
With the game ending before anyone actually started sweating, everyone left feeling a bit wet but unsatistfied.
A combination of far away location, bad weather, latecomers and a water logged pitch all pointed to the postponement of the match.
Whne the rain finally stopped and the dust settled, the ehthusiasm amongst RMMers were somewhat dampened with some (ok maybe just 1) RMMers leaving even before any decision on the match was even made.
This was not helped by the fact that SPFC were only represented by 8 players at the time of kick off, leaving RMM to loan the reserve players (Thong and Zack) to SPFC.
The game in itself wasn't much to shout about as the total time played hardly exceed 30 minutes in total.
Batigol finally regained his scoring touch and scored the game's solitary goal in the first half. The only other occasions that warranted any mention on this report would be Mat Burit's 2 glaring misses that would top the 'miss of the season' list. Both were 1 on 1 chances that even Danny would have put away.
The other occasions worth mentioning were SPFC hitting the woodwork thrice in the 2nd half. The 1st of the 3 coming straight off the kick off. Whilst the whole team seemingly aware of the SPFC midfielders intention to blast the ball from the center circle and shouting warnings at him, RMMs 3rd choice keeper, Archi was blissfully unware of the incoming punt and was releived to see the ball bounce of his right post.
With the game ending before anyone actually started sweating, everyone left feeling a bit wet but unsatistfied.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
RMM 0 Tango FC 1
RMMs freescoring wins in the Maniam's League finally came to an abrupt end in this week's hard fought fixture against one of RMMs hoodoo teams, Tango FC.
It's been pointed out on recent reports that RMM defence lacked paced and this week's opponents finally managed to capitalize on it. Exploiting this weakness to the max, Tango FCs long ball and direct play through the middle caused all sorts of problems for the creaking RMM defence all afternoon with Shark having one of his busiest afternoons.
The first half was probably just shaded by Tango FC with but somehow, RMM managed to finished the half level. Tango FC created more chances and were unlucky to go ahead when their striker found himself all alone with Shark in the RMM penalty box. The giant RMM keeper somehow managed to pull off a miracle save on that occasion with his outstrecthed right leg.
The chance of the half however fell to Mat Burit who failed to convert a penalty awarded to RMM for a deliberate handball by a Tango FC defender in a goalmouth melee. The chrome domed hitman somehow hit the bar with his shot from 12 yards. Considering that the Tango FC keeper was almost 5 feet tall, it was an awful miss.
Other than that, it was Shark that was the busier of the 2 keepers.
The second half was no better for RMM as the pattern of long, direct balls into the RMM box continued. With the introduction of their all battling, all running, African All Star, Tango FC tightened their grip on the game and even started to vary their play by playing the ball on the ground right through the RMM defence with clever runs and through passes.
Such was the movement of some of the Tango FCs players that RMMs overworked defence had no answer and the engine room provided little cover as well. It did not help RMMs cause that most of the players looked well off form as well.
The breakthrough finally came when Zack was well beaten by a Tango FC striker on the left. The striker's initial shot was parried well by Shark but unfortunately for RMM, the rebound hit an on-rushing Tango FC player and ended up in the back of RMMs net.
RMM players tried gamely to equalise but in the end, were lucky not to conceed further goals. On one occasion, the ever dependable Speedy had to make a goal line clearance after Shark was beaten to another one-on-one situation.
Whilst RMM were far from pleased by the result, it has to be said that it was a fair reflection of the game.
For his busy afternoon's work. Shark was named Man Of The Match and rewarded with a bloodied nose.
It's also interesting to note that whilst some of the best teams in the world are built from back to front based on a strong foundation of a rock solid backline, RMMs blueprint is straight out of Kevin Keggle's Book Of Attacking Football, meaning RMM builds from the top down. This explains why almost all new players of unknown quality and some of the more suspect players in the team are regularly played at the back. It may also explain why the 2 shortest players are also the 1st and 2nd choice keepers.
It doesn't always guarantee winning football, but it does make great entertainment!
It's been pointed out on recent reports that RMM defence lacked paced and this week's opponents finally managed to capitalize on it. Exploiting this weakness to the max, Tango FCs long ball and direct play through the middle caused all sorts of problems for the creaking RMM defence all afternoon with Shark having one of his busiest afternoons.
The first half was probably just shaded by Tango FC with but somehow, RMM managed to finished the half level. Tango FC created more chances and were unlucky to go ahead when their striker found himself all alone with Shark in the RMM penalty box. The giant RMM keeper somehow managed to pull off a miracle save on that occasion with his outstrecthed right leg.
The chance of the half however fell to Mat Burit who failed to convert a penalty awarded to RMM for a deliberate handball by a Tango FC defender in a goalmouth melee. The chrome domed hitman somehow hit the bar with his shot from 12 yards. Considering that the Tango FC keeper was almost 5 feet tall, it was an awful miss.
Other than that, it was Shark that was the busier of the 2 keepers.
The second half was no better for RMM as the pattern of long, direct balls into the RMM box continued. With the introduction of their all battling, all running, African All Star, Tango FC tightened their grip on the game and even started to vary their play by playing the ball on the ground right through the RMM defence with clever runs and through passes.
Such was the movement of some of the Tango FCs players that RMMs overworked defence had no answer and the engine room provided little cover as well. It did not help RMMs cause that most of the players looked well off form as well.
The breakthrough finally came when Zack was well beaten by a Tango FC striker on the left. The striker's initial shot was parried well by Shark but unfortunately for RMM, the rebound hit an on-rushing Tango FC player and ended up in the back of RMMs net.
RMM players tried gamely to equalise but in the end, were lucky not to conceed further goals. On one occasion, the ever dependable Speedy had to make a goal line clearance after Shark was beaten to another one-on-one situation.
Whilst RMM were far from pleased by the result, it has to be said that it was a fair reflection of the game.
For his busy afternoon's work. Shark was named Man Of The Match and rewarded with a bloodied nose.
It's also interesting to note that whilst some of the best teams in the world are built from back to front based on a strong foundation of a rock solid backline, RMMs blueprint is straight out of Kevin Keggle's Book Of Attacking Football, meaning RMM builds from the top down. This explains why almost all new players of unknown quality and some of the more suspect players in the team are regularly played at the back. It may also explain why the 2 shortest players are also the 1st and 2nd choice keepers.
It doesn't always guarantee winning football, but it does make great entertainment!
Monday, October 19, 2009
Friday, October 16, 2009
More pixs from RMM v Sunday Boys FC
Tired of chasing the ball, Iceman decides to try using mind control instead
Guvnor puts his best (and possibly only) foot in
Speedy was bearing down on goal before realising he was in the wrong field
Display of pure power and brute force from Superstar Batigol
Unfortunately, power and brute force does not equal bravery
Not knowing where the ball was, Mat Burit looks to Shark for help
Guvnor discovers that cabs are hard to come by in Bangi
The one man strike force called Flash That
Not wanting to be outdone, Mat Burit decides to emulate Flash That
RMM shows defenses all over the world how to defend a freekick
If you look hard enough, you'll probably spot the Sunday Boys FC keeper peeing amongst the trees
A stalker managed to sneak herself into RMMs changing room
It was obvious that Shark's description of the 2nd goal was no different from a stand up comedy act
To celebrate his 2 goal haul, Mat Burit decides to take Mrs Burit to a 'berkelah di bawah pokok' outing.
RMM WAGs spotted in the crowd
To celebrate his 2 goal haul, Mat Burit decides to take Mrs Burit to a 'berkelah di bawah pokok' outing.
RMM WAGs spotted in the crowdThursday, October 15, 2009
RMM 5 Sunday Boys FC 2
Still reeling from the nightmare of a football pitch last week, Guvnor exercised his influence over the Maniam League to ensure that this week’s fixture will be contested on a pitch befitting RMMs very high standards.
The result was a game for RMM @ Uniten, Bangi.
The long drive did not deter the RMMers who came from all corners of the Klang Valley. The long drive did however wreck havoc on RMMs game plan and game preparation as some key members of the team arrived just minutes before kick off.
Although not fined for their tardiness, some of the latecomers were indirectly punished when they were forced to hurriedly get kitted up and started the game without having time for warm ups or even a toilet break. Playing a full half with a full bladder is surely a bigger deterrent than any monetary fine.
Guvnor was also forced into fielding Speedy in goal for the start of the game as Shark was one of the full bladdered players who arrived late.
Helping protect Speedy was Danny and Siyeh in the middle with Zach and Snake completing the quartet on the flanks. Not exactly a makeshift backline but it has to be said, not the strongest either.
In the middle of the park, Shark was paired in an unfamiliar midfield role with Guvnor.
Without Guvnor and Iceman to set up the team formation, Blindman Poon, Mat Burit, Flash That and Batigol all took it upon themselves to start upfront.
The sunny afternoon coupled by the pristine pitch and attacking formation provided RMM with the perfect opportunity to display their full flowing football that Arsene Wenger lives for.
The result was a game for RMM @ Uniten, Bangi.
The long drive did not deter the RMMers who came from all corners of the Klang Valley. The long drive did however wreck havoc on RMMs game plan and game preparation as some key members of the team arrived just minutes before kick off.
Although not fined for their tardiness, some of the latecomers were indirectly punished when they were forced to hurriedly get kitted up and started the game without having time for warm ups or even a toilet break. Playing a full half with a full bladder is surely a bigger deterrent than any monetary fine.
Guvnor was also forced into fielding Speedy in goal for the start of the game as Shark was one of the full bladdered players who arrived late.
Helping protect Speedy was Danny and Siyeh in the middle with Zach and Snake completing the quartet on the flanks. Not exactly a makeshift backline but it has to be said, not the strongest either.
In the middle of the park, Shark was paired in an unfamiliar midfield role with Guvnor.
Without Guvnor and Iceman to set up the team formation, Blindman Poon, Mat Burit, Flash That and Batigol all took it upon themselves to start upfront.
The sunny afternoon coupled by the pristine pitch and attacking formation provided RMM with the perfect opportunity to display their full flowing football that Arsene Wenger lives for.
This however wasn’t to be as the 2 players entrusted to run the engine room huffed and puffed for the first quarter of the game. The fact that both had not warmed up and carried full bladders did not help the cause either.
Shark trying out as a midfield enforcer
RMM however did get going once the engine room warmed up and started to string a few passes together. With Flash That and Blindman Poon speed, Mat Burit’s guile and Batigol’s power, the front 4 were proving to be a handful. At the back, Speedy’s reassuring ball handling skills calmed the defense.
Speedy was wondering where the arrows on his bowling lanes went
After some initial probing, RMM won a freekick in a dangerous position on the right side of Sunday Boys FCs goal. With regular freekick taker Iceman on the sidelines, Shark took the freekick duties.
Spotting an unmarked Mat Burit at the edge of the box, Shark cleverly rolled the ball towards him. With acres of space and hours to spare, the bald and rotund striker looked up, picked a spot and floated an inviting cross into the danger area. Out of nowhere came the towering Zack who managed to out jump the entire Sunday Boys FCs defense before nodding home for his first goal of the season.
Spotting an unmarked Mat Burit at the edge of the box, Shark cleverly rolled the ball towards him. With acres of space and hours to spare, the bald and rotund striker looked up, picked a spot and floated an inviting cross into the danger area. Out of nowhere came the towering Zack who managed to out jump the entire Sunday Boys FCs defense before nodding home for his first goal of the season.
A collectors item - Zack's goal
As the half wore on, Zack’s lack of match fitness started to show. Forced into another reshuffle, Guvnor brought in Iceman to re-new their weekly partnership. Shark was called upon cover Zack’s leftback position instead.
Shark was almost immediately called into action when Sunday Boys FC mounted a surprise that caught most of the RMM defense cold. As the Sunday Boy FC striker burst thru on goal, Shark came in from the blind side screaming like a banshee before sliding in as a last ditch effort to stop the striker. It worked as the striker was dispossessed and Siyeh recovered back in time to clean up.
With Iceman back with Guvnor in the middle, RMM tightened it’s grip on the game but as with the previous week’s game, was unable to make the chances count.
Guvnor was not too pleased and the halftime talk was terse.
Shark started the 2nd half back in goal and Speedy was placed on what was supposed to be the left midfield position. But as the game progressed, the Master Of The Alternate Universe ended up playing almost exclusively as a striker, much like his team mate on the opposite flank. Blindman Poon.
The reshuffle worked as RMM scored a second goal minutes after the restart. A corner by Iceman from the right was overhit and the ever reliable Pseedy managed to recover the ball and just as everyone expected him to float a cross back into goal, the devious veteran saw a gap in the crowded box and decided to curl one in through the eye of the needle.
It worked as the miracle shot deceived everyone (including Speedy one would think) and bounced into the back of the net. 2 nil up and RMMers breathe a sigh of relief.
Speedy finally found his lines and his tricky hook bowl fooled everyone
Speedy was on fire by now and nearly added an assist to his afternoon’s work when his beautifully measured cross was met by an onrushing Guvnor. Normally deadly from this type of opportunity, RMM’s life time President got it wrong this time and sent his header wide.
RMMs afternoon got better as a rampant Blindman Poon wrecked havoc on the right before sending a low cross into the box. A retreating Sunday Boys FC defender managed to get his foot onto the ball but only managed to skew it high into the air towards the far post. The lurking Mat Burit gleefully finished off the move by volleying home from 6 yards.
With a 3 goal cushion, some RMM players got over confident and started to lose their way a little. Instead of cheering when the 3rd goal went in, Shark was overheard groaning loudly complaining about having yet another boring afternoon.
The giant keeper’s fear proved unfounded as his backline conspired to give him a busy afternoon. Siyeh decided that back passes to the keeper’s weaker left foot would be a good way to combat his boredom and proceeded to execute that diligently for the rest of the afternoon.
In one such instance, the villains of the week, Siyeh and Shark just managed to scramble the ball wide to Snake before the round reptile managed to clear the ball towards Iceman. Unfortunately for RMM, the pass was a bit short and Iceman was beaten to the clearance by a Sunday Boys FC midfielder. With only his second touch, the midfielder managed blistering shot 25 yards out to catch Shark totally out of position. 3 – 1 and Sunday Boys FC had a whiff of some RMM blood.
The warning signs were already there as just minutes earlier, Shark had been forced to punch clear a cross surrounded by 3 Sunday Boys FC players with not a defender in sight to protect him.
Not pleased by the sudden drop in concentration, Guvnor tore into the lackluster defense and demanded for an improved display.
Guvnor's reassuring voice was calming influence to his team mates
The team then got their act together by restoring their 3 goal lead through Mat Burit’s second of the day. Played through beautifully by Iceman’s pin point through ball, the rotund hitman managed to beat the onrushing Sunday Boys FC keeper with a measure lob from outside the box.
Mat Burit's aerodynamic dome's advantage was there for all to see
4-1 to RMM. The second half was proving to be an entertaining spectacle for the spectators.
The crowd hardly had time to catch their breadth when yet another goal was scored. This time, off a freekick from a dangerous central position in front of the RMM box, a Sunday Boys FC players managed to beat the unsighted Shark with what the undersized keeper claimed to be a Ronaldoesque freekick.
Plucking coconuts was never a career option for SharkCue more shouting and finger pointing amongst RMMers. Given that the goalkeeping position in RMM is one that is either volunteered or forced, it is an unwritten rule that the goalkeepers are exempt from any direct criticism. Hence, Shark was thankful for the let off.
The RMM keeper then atoned for the 2 goals when his measured drop goalkick deceptively bounced over a Sunday Boys FC defender, forcing him to back pedal into the powerful Batigol. Easily overpowering the Boys FC defender, RMMs resident Superstar played the ball across to the onrushing Flash That to power home.
Sunday Boys FCs keeper proved to be just as inept as Shark in plucking coconuts
With the score at 5-2 to RMM, and one can be forgiven for thinking that the game was over as a spectacle and both teams will just wind down the clock.
Fortunately for the paying public, that wasn’t the case and there was 1 final act of entertainment left in the game.
That final act came minutes after RMMs fifth goal when Danny, who had earlier exchanged some unpleasant words with Sunday Boys FCs Bruno over the Sunday Boys FC player’s loud and open wish to have his way with RMM players. Not pleased by Bruno’s attitude and openness, Danny chided the Sunday Boys FCs player’s promiscuity. Bruno in turn offered to have his way with Danny as well.
The seething Danny then took his frustration out on Bruno by when the opportunity came. With both players going for what looked like a 50-50 ball, Danny took Bruno out from behind. Not used to being taken from behind, Bruno reacted angrily by shoving Danny like a little girl.
What happened next took everyone by surprise. Snake who had been coiled for action all along then launched a lighting strike from nowhere to mount Bruno from behind again. Although that mount was unsuccessful, the power of that attempted mount sent Bruno crashing to the ground. Although his wish for man love from RMMers may have been granted, it may not have been the type he was lusting for.
That in turn set of a sequence of events best described in an earlier blog entry (complete with pixs). The end result was 2 red cards for RMM. 1 for Snake for his failed mount and 1 for Superstar Batigol for being himself. Sunday Boys FCs Bruno was also given the marching orders for soliciting fellow players on the pitch, a practice frowned upon by footballers around the world.
The match official then ended the game after a few tokens minutes of the re-start. In an incident packed game, RMM again ran out winners with a 5-2 win.
Although it was another big win for RMM, Guvnor’s mood was no better that last week’s slim win as he bemoaned the team’s lack of concentration during several phases of the game.
With another big victory, RMM should be near the top of Maniam's mysterious table....
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
RMM v Sunday Boys FC - Beast Wars
The match report is not out yet but here's a little teaser from last Sunday's game...
It looks as though a Sumo contest just started in the middle of the pack...
Shark rushes in to join the crowd as the defeated Sumo wrestler falls out of the invisble circle
The defeated Sumo wrestler turned out to be Snake who's out on his arse now
Snake turns turtle as the Red Hair Yeti from Mongolia rushes in to finish him off
The proned Snake then shows off his Cobra Leg Strike to ward Red Hair Yeti off
Red Hair Yeti is temporarily stunned as the others rush in
As the melee ensues, Danny spreads some man love
Danny gets more serious as others join in to save Snake who's now in a death roll
Shark takes on Red Hair Yeti as Snake dissappears into a sea of sweaty crotches
Both sets of players converge for a light discussion about the weather as Snake drowns in the sea of sweaty crotches
Intimidated by RMM's debate skills, more Sunday Boys FC players join in the discussion
Not impressed by Snake's Cobra Leg Strike, the ref sends him off. Along with him went Batigol who did not impress the ref with his debating skills eitherMonday, October 12, 2009
RMM Wedding
Or rather, ex RMMer's wedding....
RMMers past and present were all there to celebrate ex RMMer Jarvis 'Ngow Lou' Yim's wedding.
BOOM Jo - Team Manager
Mr and Mrs Ngow Lou with RMMers
RMMs scouting network is far and wide.... with Kito San based in Japan
RMMs cash - set aside to induce parents into breaking their children's contract with other clubs to join RMM
Budget cuts have forced RMM into downsizing the goalkeeping department
RMMers past and present were all there to celebrate ex RMMer Jarvis 'Ngow Lou' Yim's wedding.
BOOM Jo - Team Manager
Mr and Mrs Ngow Lou with RMMersRMMs scouting network is far and wide.... with Kito San based in Japan
RMMs cash - set aside to induce parents into breaking their children's contract with other clubs to join RMM
Budget cuts have forced RMM into downsizing the goalkeeping department *Note that the 2 in the middle are the current keepers and the 2 on the sides were the ex keepers
The safest pair of hands in RMM striking a pose
Ngow Low with Boom Jo and Danny
RMMers in full attack mode
Pro footballers always enjoy their night out.....
The essential pro footballer's liquid diet coupled with stamina aid
Partyman Eddie continues to plan with his bevy of women the after dinner party
Speedy showing off his goalkeeping moves
Boom Jo and Iceman enjoying a quiet drink
Some RMMers swore this resembled a team mate.....
The ever so cool Iceman chilling out
Danny was obviously not very stimulated by the intellectual conversations around him....
.....forcing Speedy to bring his stories from his alternative universe somewhere else
The safest pair of hands in RMM striking a pose
Ngow Low with Boom Jo and Danny
RMMers in full attack mode
Pro footballers always enjoy their night out.....
The essential pro footballer's liquid diet coupled with stamina aid
Partyman Eddie continues to plan with his bevy of women the after dinner party
Speedy showing off his goalkeeping moves
Boom Jo and Iceman enjoying a quiet drink
Some RMMers swore this resembled a team mate.....
The ever so cool Iceman chilling out
Danny was obviously not very stimulated by the intellectual conversations around him....
.....forcing Speedy to bring his stories from his alternative universe somewhere else RMMers past and present
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