In a departure from the previous 2 editions of ARFC's Annual Reunion-cum-Awards occasion, ARFC played a match against a team comprising some ex-S-League players on 15 Feb 2015 (Sun) from 7 to 9 pm at Tampines SAFRA, and came away victors with a hard-fought and exciting 4-3 win.
The joyous occasion kicked off at 5.40 pm (slightly later than the 5.30 pm scheduled time) with a 'lou hei' (toast), sponsored by Hee.
At about 5.50 pm, the magician-cum-baloon sculptor arrived to entertain both the adults and children alike. The children really enjoyed themselves.
At about 6.30 pm, all past and present ARFC warriors gathered for a simple pre-match briefing by Sebastian. It was then that Sebastian broke the bad and good news to them.
Bad news was that ARFC would be playing against an experienced and strong team instead of amongst ourselves. The good news? ARFC would be playing at the Marina Floating Platform on 28 March 2015 (Sat) from 7 to 9 pm - this time really amongst ourselves (provided we have enough players to form 2 teams).
Back to the reunion match, it was to be played in three 30-mins halves with the following line-up:
Team 1:
Derrick (GK)
Jinzhong (RB)
Darren (LB)
Ron (Sweeper)
Toh (Stopper) - replacing How Meng who was late
Tze Ern (RM)
Sebastian (CM) - replacing Chun Haw who was late
Guoxiong (CM)
Weilit (LM)
Alvin (SC)
Kenny (SC)
The match kicked off with both Alvin and Kenny harassing their defence relentlessly with their speed.
ARFC took the lead in the 7th min. From yet another trade-mark missile-like throw-in from Darren, ARFC's 2013 Player of the Year, Toh flicked on and Kenny stooped a little to nod the ball low past their keeper. 1-0
How Meng and Chun Haw then came on, as originally planned, for Toh and Sebastian, respectively.
Even before both Toh and Sebastian had taken their seats, ARFC conceded a goal. 1-1
ARFC then regained its lead. From Tze Ern's vicious corner, How Meng swooped in to sweep the ball home. Wonderful! 2-1
Team 2:
It was then the turn of the 'ARFC Old Guards' to take the field as follows:
Derrick (GK)
Khiam (RB)
David (LB)
Blackburn (sweeper)
Huiming (stopper)
Kiat (RM)
Sebastian (CM)
Soon (CM)
Khim (LM)
Haron (SC)
Daniel (SC)
With this aging team, it was no surprise that ARFC was on the back seat and was constantly pegged back and soon conceded a goal. 2-2.
However, vintage is gold and ARFC stood up to the test and passed with flying colours with some clever defending.
Sebastian then made a goal-line clearance.
Unfortunately, Kiat suffered an unlucky injury with a nasty cut at his mouth and had to be replaced by Chun Haw. Thankfully, he is now ok and recovering. We can only wish him all a speedy recovery.
ARFC fought back and with some patient build-up passing, ARFC restored its lead. The ball found its way to Haron who had the vision to spread the ball wide to Khim on the left. Khim displayed even better vision when his diagonal ball was delivered right into the danger zone and Haron came in from the blindside and scored with a stooping header! World-class! 3-2
Team 3:
Derrick (GK)
Eng Lai (RB)
Wayne (LB)
Elvis (sweeper)
Toh (stopper)
Tong (RM)
Ron (CM)
Tjioe (CM)
Hee (LM)
Alvin (SC)
Kenny (SC)
ARFC conceded a goal. 3-3
ARFC took the lead for the 4th time after Hee sped away with a quick counter-attack. Kenny nicked the ball from their defender and passed to Alvin who throdded down the left. From Alvin's square pass, Kenny placed the ball and though their keeper got a touch, he was unable to prevent the ball from rolling into the net. 4-3
Alvin was clearly tiring and Khim came on for him with Hee partnering Kenny upfront.
Tong then asked to be replaced after his boots gave way. Tze Ern took over his place.
ARFC then conceded a penalty. However, Derrick justified his Player of the Year (Manager's Choice) 2014 by palming away their penalty that was aimed towards the top left-hand corner!!! 4-3 is the final score!
These are the Awards Winners for 2014:
ARFC Player of the Year (Manager's Choice) = Derrick
ARFC Most Improved Player (Manager's Choice) = Jinzhong
ARFC Player of the Year (by votes) - 1st = Ron
ARFC Player of the Year (by votes) - 2nd = Derrick
ARFC Player of the Year (by votes) - 3rd = Soon
ARFC Player of the Year (by votes) - 4th = Kenny
ARFC Player of the Year (by votes) - 5th = Alvin
250 goals = Alvin
100 goals = Derrick
100 goals = Hee
50 goals = Kenny
