Dear parents,

I was wrong to have labelled last Sunday as "Super Sunday", for it was more appropriate to term it as a "SUPER HOT SUNDAY" for more reasons than one. Firstly, the sun was out in its full glory. There were merely wisps of clouds present. It got so warm that you could fry an egg on the field, but I digress.Secondly, the games that were played were simply out of this world! All the boys played their hearts out. It was sheer joy watching every game played that day.As you all know by now, after 10 hard fought matches by our boys, the Junior Division's matches for 2011 has come to an end.

Kings vs Rangers

The Kings vs Rangers game was intense. The temperature hovered between 35-36 degree celcius. Both teams were fighting for a possible 3rd placing. Kings looked to have the upper hand at first, as Team Ranger's reliable goalkeeper, Izad, was down with injury, although he still came all dressed up in the Rangers outfit to give his team moral support. Team Rangers had to sacrifice their maverick player Shael, aka Messi, and played him in goal.

Alas, that was not to be the case, as lil' Messi proved to be equally adapt at goal as he is upfield. By the end of the 2nd quarter, Team Rangers was leading with 2 goals courtesy of Shammel, who found his scoring touch again. Team Kings never gave up and was soon 2 goals up. However, Team Rangers proved to be too resilient and ended up victorious with the final score at 2-3 in Team Rangers favour. They then had to wait for the outcome of the Hobbits v Wizards game to see whether they could get 3rd placing.

By the way, prior to the start of the game, each player in Team Rangers presented a stalk of rose to the Kings' moms. That was a priceless moment. Team Rangers in my opinion has led by example on many occasions. Who can forget them doing a parent and kids training session on one Saturday. Well done Team Rangers!

Hobbits vs Wizards

Team Hobbits needed to win this game with a superior goal difference to get 3rd placing, as a win will see them level on points with Team Rangers. Team Hobbits had been putting in the extra hours for training, and it was obvious to see that they were just raring to play. Team Wizards looked equally determined, as they were keen to ensure that they do not end up anchoring the Junior Division table.

Even though it was 4.45 p.m when the game started, the sun was was still mercilessly smiling at everyone on the field. The clouds continued to shy away. It was still hot, and it became hotter when the game started, more so when you see the glowing yellow colour jersey of Team Hobbits, and the blazing orange jersey of Team Wizards.

This game was pure adrenalin, as both teams played all out, with Team Hobbits attacking more. The extra training that they had put in paid off, as all 3 goals were scored by 3 different players in their team. With the score ending 3-0 in Team Hobbits favour, the 3rd placing was theirs to keep!

The scoreline however does not do justice to Team Wizards, as they had played well, more so when Umair was finally released upfield. For this game however, they had to give way to Team Hobbits.

Archers vs Elves

Where do I begin......

This was the game that we all waited for. A game between the 2 giants of the Junior Division. These two teams have essentially overpowered all the other teams, and have scored a total of 85 goals between them. These two teams also possess the Junior Division's top three scorers.Team Elves' Coach, Scott, and Team Archer's Coach, Sahib, were clearly anxious, although their boys looked pretty calm and composed . The sidelines were packed with both team's parents, relatives, well-wishers and also parents and kids from the other teams. It was a standing room only occasion.

Coach Helmy of Team Rangers volunteered to be the referee for this much anticipated game, as the outcome will decide which team will become the champion of the SJCYFL Junior League 2011.As expected, the game was explosive right from the moment that the whistle was blown. It was reminiscent of the movie '300', when King Leonidas commanded his 300 troops to "unleash hell" onto the Persian army.

I couldn't take my eyes of the match, as every single minute was pure adrenaline stuff. The ball flew ferociously every time a shot was taken at goal, and the goal posts of each team had on more than one occasion trembled. Both coaches who were normally cool at the sidelines, were this time "full of beans" and shouted themselves hoarse giving commands to their respective soldiers.This match was not like any of the other matches, for it was evident that both teams deployed numerous tactical play to outwit each other. The key players for both team were like coiled springs, and were all over the field.

I must say that Coach Helmy was an exemplary referee, as he, like the boys, was calm and fair.Alas, for very game there has to be a winner and a loser. This time around, Team Elves prevailed over Team Archers with a 2-1 scoreline, and became the champion of the SJCYFL Junior Division 2011.

However, I must say and many will agree with me, that it was such a beautiful game that Team Archers should not be saddened with the outcome. Rightfully Coach Sahib declared that it was satisfying to have lost the game, as his team played their hearts out and gave Team Elves a good fight right until the end. Parents, I would have gladly paid to watch that match. As a matter of fact, I had enjoyed that match more than the Manchester United v Chelsea game that night.

Congratulations to Team Elves for being the champions, and to Team Archers for being a worthy runner up.

The End

All good things must come to an end, and so has the SJCYFL Junior Division 2011. I have enjoyed every single game, and hope that you've all enjoyed them too. I'm sure that you're all looking forward to the next season already.

Well, we still have the 2-day tournament at the end of this month, so don't go packing your kid's boots yet. There are still a lot more to play for, as the teams will start all over again on a clean slate for the tournament. Prizes will be given for the 1st and 2nd placed team. Watch this space as I will write more on this 2-day tournament soon.

Although its not time to say goodbye yet, I would like to thank all the Coaches, Team Managers, parents and their immediate relatives for making this season an eventful one. I've never had any problems during this season, as everyone has been so helpful. There was never a time that I had to do anything alone, like putting up the corner flags, the pole barriers, keeping score etc. I can proudly say that this League has achieved what it was set out to be, that is to build a closer and caring community.

A special mention must go out to Rizal and Mona, who has without fail covered each and every single game. What they both do is not easy, for they had made it a point to stay on for very game, rain or shine, and capture photographs for all of us to savour. I can also tell you that its very time consuming to download the pictures taken into our yahoo group files. A big thanks again to Rizal and Mona, and thank you for also agreeing to be the SJCYFL photographers during the 2-day tournament.

I save the best for last. The best and most enriching moments this season were the times that we parents spent with the children. No words can describe the joy of being with them, and watching them grow and improve in many aspects. I shall miss them very-very much.

That's all for this season good people. We will now move on to the 2-day tournament.

I'll be in touch!

Regards,
Zaini Mazlan

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