RMM 1 James' Team 1

It was the first game of the new Maniam’s League season and Maniam himself couldn't have picked a more explosive opening fixture. RMM v James’ Team (JT). Two arch enemies who have fought numerous battles over the last decade. Matches between the 2 are considered local derbies and no matter what their form was then, a defeat to the other was the most bitter pill to swallow. These fixtures regularly feature yellow cards and flying tackles. One fixture even featured a throw in complete with flying elbows from Shark. We are talking about full blooded derbies here.

This game was no different. From the get go, both teams were out to dish it and Iceman was given some rough treatment in the middle from JTs Balding Bastard. When football was being played, RMM managed to play some decent football with Hardman Joe getting some freedom on the right. The Guvnor was also his usual self throwing himself into some hard challenges to good effect.

The defence marshaled by OK Danny and Siyeh was also solid with both Red Devil Meng and Snake providing good cover on the left and right respectively. That in effect also gave Shark (who is emerging as the first choice keeper) very little to do.

The sore point for RMM was Blindman Poon who was (excuse the pun) running up and down blind alleys. The man is blessed with exceptional speed which makes him a potent attack force for RMM but is also cursed by an eyesight that would put a bat to shame. Unfortunately for Blindman, he possesses no radar nor are walking sticks allowed on the pitch.

RMM was rewarded for their superior play midway thru the first half. Hardman Joe who was tearing down the right wing past JT’s fat rightback, Fatman, managed to flight the perfect cross to RMMs star player Batigol. The heavyset but mobile target man had no problems powering a header home to give RMM the lead.

RMM continued to control the play with Mat Burit and Batigol leading the line. Batigol came close again minutes later when played clean through but somehow couldn't beat the keeper one on one.

JTs first real attempt at goal came almost at the end of the first half when their right winger played a low cross across the RMM goal that evaded the entire RMM defence. The ever alert Shark managed to rush out at the far post to thwart the JT’s striker’s first attempt. The giant keeper then recovered to stop the second attempt before a crunching tackle from the normally docile Siyeh ended the attack.

When halftime came, RMM were winning both the physical battle and the game. The general feeling during halftime was that RMM deserved a bigger lead then 1-0.

The second half couldn’t have started any worse for RMM. After giving away a needless foul on the left side of the box, the RMM defense then failed to react to a hopeful drive from the resulting freekick into the box. With the defense rooted to the ground and 2 onrushing strikers in his line of sight, keeper Shark’s immediate reaction was to have no reaction. Thinking that the 2 strikers were offside, the keeper let the ball bounce easily into the inside of the post to give away an easy equaliser.

With RMM rocked, JT started throwing their all at the RMM defense. Under such intense pressure, the RMM defence started giving away more freekicks around the box. The resulting freekicks were a nightmare for the nervous RMM defense to deal with as most opted to watch and pray as the crosses came flying into the danger areas.

Shark then made the decision to take the control of the situation and started coming for the crosses himself. This somewhat calmed the defense down and RMM managed to weather the storm.

RMM then started to claw back into the game again with the Guvnor leading the line in the middle of the park. Mat Burit had a glorious chance to give RMM the lead again after taking on 2 defenders but unfortunately, he took a step too many and had his shot charged down.

Star striker Batigol also had an opportunity to double his personal tally when he beat the JT keeper to a dangerous in-swinging RMM cross. Unfortunately for the star man, he had closed his eyes whilst going for the header and it caused the ball to bounce off the top of his head and over the bar while he was right under it.

Iceman was then taken down again by JTs Balding Bastard from behind. Eating dust all the way, Iceman was later taken off with a suspected dislocated shoulder.

Shark was then involved in the most comical moment of the game. Coming out early to cut off a dangerous JT cross, the keeper only managed a weak punch before colliding into OK Danny. As he tried to quickly find his bearings, the ball bounced all over the 6 yard box before the JT striker literally handed the ball back to a cool Shark who was way off position.

The game became fractious again from this point on and with both teams more interested in killing lumps out of each other, neither team looked like scoring again.

And that was how the first game of the season for RMM ended, with a 1-1 draw.