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.
Friday, October 30, 2009
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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