Perhaps with a relaxed mind, the SIM girls finally showed what they could do when playing against SMU at the final round of SUniG last Wednesday.
With lots of cut-backs, effective angled runs and score-line moves, SIM, in fact matched the score difference of NUS’s game against SMU. However, this perhaps should not be surprising as the NUS and SIM game was a very close one, with the score rightfully being 1 – 1 instead of a 2 – 1 win to NUS, due to an awarded touchdown scored by a dummy-half.
SIM had a very steady climb for scores in this game, instead of blitzing through the first-half and losing steam in the second.
Noted players like Jazreel Tan and Yu Chien Chih certainly helped create many opportunities for touchdowns but SIM was not just a 2-woman show. The lack of pressure that comes with playing against stronger teams allowed the newer girls to step up and not only react quickly to support, but even create some of their own gaps.
SMU were also visibly trying their best, with a fair few chances and marginally improved ball handling. Their lack of knowledge and experience saw some gaps created but they failed to score due to supporters not being in the right gaps.
Nevertheless SMU managed to put one on the score-line when a miscommunication between two SIM defenders allowed the attacker to run through. It was certainly a surprise and even the scoring player had looked as if she didn’t expect to breakthrough either.
Should SMU have known how to support better, we could have probably seen more scores from them as SIM seem to be underestimating their opponents, scrambling a little on defence a few times.
The half time score stood at 6 – 1 to SIM.
In the second-half, slightly lazy defending by SIM allowed SMU players to simply run around them, requiring their team mates to cover. It was fortunate that SMU either passed the ball off or the receiving player dropped it.
With more fakes, speeding through, scoops and effective score-line moves, the final horn signalled the end of the 2011 SUniG with SIM in 3rd position after the 11 – 1 win against SMU.
Captain Jazreel Tan was quite happy the tournament has ended. “It’s finally over!” she laughed, “It was a short but tiring season. We will have to work harder for the next one.”
And what’s next for SIM?
“We are going to have to start studying then we will resume training nearing the new season.”
“Oh! And also recruit more people!” she added.
For SMU, the games just add on to their learning journey. Captain of the team, Rachel Ng, lamented that it was difficult to conduct training when many girls placed grades before sports. However, she hoped that this would change in time, allowing the team a fair shot at finishing in a better position.
