MID-IBG HIGHLIGHTS
Eusoff’s very first event after EHOC – IBG (Inter-Block Games) was certainly intense and exciting since Day 1. Every block was decked out in their respective colours and special mention to B block for their yellow high socks, face paint and guys in sexy short fbts (which we were curious if it was their tactic to distract girls and guys from other blocks). Nonetheless, the night proceeded with a video of Eusoff captains’ interesting ways to pass the torch and finally to our Sports Director Shar(k)leen, who lit up the “cauldron” signifying the start of IBG‘15/16.
The first sport to be played this year was a crowd favourite – floorball! Every block sent out their best players and with their long/short sticks battled ferociously on court. D block in particular sent out a legendary Golden Triangle line up consisting of Mild, Klarissa and Louise. They might not be physically imposing but do not be fooled! Their superb chemistry and sick Div 1 skills certainly make up for their somewhat diminutive stature and these three freshies-lookalikes would whoop any unsuspecting opponents’ asses on both attack and defense.
⅔ of D block’s Golden Triangle line up, Louise and Mild, together with Kenny defended against their opponents.
One intense match that had to be mentioned would be between C block and E block, as they pitted floorball captains Ravi and ‘EMA’ Esther against each other. You know things were getting serious when C block sent in the last remaining legacy of the Chan Dynasty, none other than our ex-volleyball captain Mel Chan. Tension was high as the two blocks locked horns, so high that our Hall King Hozy almost destroyed the goal in his attempt to defend against Ravi and Rifqi. C block freshie, “Charge Ahead” Andrew, could also be seen celebrating every goal as though he won the whole IHG. Our ex Sports D, Arun, clearly wanted to win the IBG floorball championship as he was overheard “gently” encouraging other E blockers to “better go all f***ing out” after he saw the scoreline! Someone mentioned that E block Rifqi “cannot score in IVP but can score in IBG” (citation required) and he was certainly right, as we could not catch up with the sick maneuvers of his stick and he scored goal after goal for E block.
Ranking:
1st: E
2nd: D
3rd: C
4th: A
5th: B
After the crazy enthusiasm we witnessed on Day 1, the second night of IBG also started with a bang - quite literally - featuring volleyball with plenty of spikes and blocks. A block Clinton Soon, was the first to reach the MPC, all dressed up and ready to go in his 2XU tights, hair band and ankle guards. Clearly, IBG was a serious matter to Clinton, and together with the rest of A block, was not to be trifled with!
A blockers and a fully geared up Clinton ready to win this year’s IBG volleyball games.
Volleyball also saw many seniors like Fel 'Instaqueen' Chen, ex-ex-captain Yuan Wei and ex-captain Kiral Lin return to the court as well as an abundance of freshies putting their skills on display, such as A block's Timothy, E block's Justin and C block's Claire. Emotions ran high in the match between A block and B block where many members of the male volleyball team face off against each other. A block eventually took the victory and we certainly hope to see the same passion and athletic ability reproduced in IHG!
Ranking:
1st: A
2nd: B
3rd: D
4th: C
5th: E
In the next court, Sepak Takraw was played concurrently and what spectacular skills we managed to witness! Some say takraw is a Vietnamese sport but Eusoff will have none of this. In fact, the only Vietnamese player in IBG was none other than Nguyen Tran, known for his notoriously nifty footwork (and to the same degree, the hall queen). IBG successfully unveiled many potential takraw players flitting around the court like butterflies. E block's Damian notably sent a blazing header over the net and scored the point, gaining the raucous applause of the supporters as well as a “baluku” for memories. Interestingly, resident national softballer Sue Mae appeared for takraw and proved that softballers are as good with their feet as they are with their hands. We overheard some guys started referring Sue Mae as the Takraw Beast and Eusoff could perhaps start a ladies' takraw team for IHG!
Ranking:
1st: B
2nd: C
3rd: E
4th: A
5th: D
Day 3 of IBG featured dodgeball and once again, our talented Eusoffians did not disappoint. B block freshie and national water polo player Bryan See Tow gained fame (and fear) with his ridiculously powerful shots. Some say our neighbouring White Chicks Hall complained about Eusoff undergoing renovation at 9pm but in truth it was Bryan dismantling his opponents, the MPC fence as well as some poor supporters.
B block Bryan destroying opponents (and some supporters) with his powerful shots.
Eusoff history records also had it that D block head Jasmine was rejected from DP (Dance Production) last year. But Jasmine put her ballet skills on display as she pirouetted all over the court dodging multiple shots, King Jun An immediately took note of her artistic talents. It seems that he has little choice but to take her in for DP this year!
Ranking:
1st: B
2nd: C
3rd: E
4th: A
5th: D
Mornings are meant to be sleepy but not on Saturday because it was Day 4 of IBG! Action-packed frisbee had all Eusoffians fired up, including these two poor reporters who had to squint their eyes in the blazing sun to write this report for you guys. C block freshie Fong instantly claimed our attention due to his razor sharp focus (and of course, his bright pink pants). Bringing his prior frisbee experience to use, he quickly organized and commanded C blockers into formations which a drill sergeant would be proud of. IBG was a serious event and his game face soon became his default face. His presence was comforting to his team and he often calmed them down by telling them to “chill guys, chill”.
Another spectacular player we spotted is none other than our previous Hall Queen Shan Ping, who displayed her inherent talent in catching and throwing discs. Some said it was her first time playing but she definitely did not disappoint! Special mention to Chong Yee who first lost his teeth during the vacation, then loses possession of the disc, which causes his team to lose the point. But don't worry Chong Yee, skills can be cultivated! As for teeth… look for Karan.
Ranking:
1st: C
2nd: B
3rd: E
4th: D
5th: A
Touch rug was played next to Frisbee and it was a showcase of classic Eusoff athletic skills. Trug demands a particular blend of speed, balance, aggression and teamwork, and Eusoffians portrayed all these traits perfectly. E block freshie Matthew is living proof that Eusoff recruitment is just too zai. Using his rugby skills, he quickly adapted to the modified game and put up stellar performance one after another. A block crooner/guitarist Gideon and national rugger Nick Yau from C block also had girls (and guys) on the sideline drooling and chanting their names after seeing their multitudes of smooth steps and dodges. Special mention goes out to @garygarywongwong from E block, who did a jaw dropping interception and scored immediately against A block. The whole crowd cheered for him as he continued to dive across the field, despite catching air instead of the ball, but kudos to his never-say-die spirit!
Referee Yu Jie showing everyone the correct way to score a try and how to show an epic expression following that.
Ranking:
1st: C
2nd: B
3rd: E
4th: D
5th: A
Soccer was the last sport played yesterday and not even the blistering sun could stop Eusoff’s passion for this sport. E block freshie Wayne demonstrated what it means to be a student athlete (and perhaps some of his secret Batman abilities). Coming off a high flying ball, he used his head to blast the ball into the goal past the confounded goalkeeper. Noteworthy mention of E block freshie Kah Hang who did a diving fingertip save, which won him the cheers of the crowd.
If IBG could be played in FIFA 2016, B block would be the cheat code team featuring the likes of Soccer Legend Ong Zhi Hao, Nguyen Tran, Kiral Lin and Ice Queen Priscilla Lim. Rumour has it that when other halls heard of this line-up, they would immediately give up and forfeit the match! The game was adapted such that guys could only have 3 touches on the ball per possession but evidently, that was not enough to stop Soccer Legend Messi Ong Zhi Hao. With magnets rumored to be secretly placed in his boots, the ball somehow sticks to his feet and one touch is more than enough for him to score. Behind Kiral's calm and humble demeanor is a plethora of soccer skills with deft touches and precise passes. He might be able to qualify as a Eusoff Fossil soon but age certainly hasn't caught up with him yet - where his nimble footwork is an ice-skater's dream.
Messi Ong Zhi Hao showing off some unstoppable soccer skills.
Ranking:
1st: E
2nd: B
3rd: C
4th: A
5th: D
The report may have come to an end, but IBG still has 2 more days to go! There are still Captain’s Ball, Road Relay and Handball matches to fight for the Champion Block title or to simply impress your eye candy. SMC Publications will be back to report on any more spectacular moments on court next week!
Written by:
Jingwen Lim and Jason Fong
SMC Publications Head and Vice-Head
(Photo credits: Eusoffworks)