Contributed by Jamshed Wadia
Two teams. One ball. One final result.
It was the BBG team, which had not lost a single game all season, versus a team that was an amalgamation of various zones in City Harvest Church, battling it out for the coveted Harvest League trophy on Sunday, 26 April.
Both teams had played eight qualifying games before reaching the finals without losing a single game, making it a case of champs going up against champs. Both the teams sported a well-rounded and interesting line up of individuals: the BBG team was made up predominantly of business and industry professionals with an average age of 30 years while the combined zone team was a group of teaching professionals from various disciplines with an average age of 25 years.
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| PHOTOS: Lee Boon Lee |
The mostly-Singaporean teams also boasted some international representation from Japan as well as China.
Each side had their star players. On the BBG team was James Ho who had a total tally of 14 goals at the prelims. The combined zone team boasted Nicholas Kang with nine goals to his credit.
The BBG team was captained by Michael Khoo and the combined zone team by Tan Yew Hwee. Both captains seemed confident about their prospects but were well aware that their opponents were strong-willed and confident. “We have faith that the old lambs shall win,” said a confident Khoo, before the referee blew his first whistle.
The match started amid much fanfare with great support at the venue for both teams from families and friends. There was a happy picnic atmosphere at the stands, with the spectactors sharing food and drinks and egging their teams on.
The first 20 minutes of the game saw two quick goals by the combined zone team but then the BBG team was quick to fight back with a goal in the last minutes of the first half.
But the second half proved tough for the BBG team, and the “old lambs” conceded defeat to the young ones. The game ended at a final tally of 5 to 1 in favor of the combined zone team.
It was a keenly contested game with great sportsmanship displayed by both teams. At of the end of day, as one captain said: “Great friendships have been built over the last few months and it’s been a great way to reach out to our friends.”
Results of Harvest Football League Finals
Champion Team: The Possibilities (Trophy, Individual Medals & Cash Prize S$3,000)
First Runner-Up: BBG1 (Individual Medals & Cash Prize S$1,500)
Second Runner-Up: BBG2 (Individual Medals & Cash Prize S$750)
Special Award — Fair Play Award: Urban Youth (Trophy & Cash Prize S$500)
Special Award — Gold Boot Award: James Ho from BBG1 (Trophy & Cash Prize S$500)
