to where it all begins...: OCFCFC

Last Sunday, the OCF centres conducted an Inter-OCF tournament. I was fortunate enough to play, let alone get the lucky no. 8.

Carlton 0 Parkville 1

We lost this game, albeit with a hint of controversy. Charles had handled inside the area and naturally we thought it was a penalty, so we stopped the game. Parkville played on because they was no whistle (for some reason) and scored against a static defence. We had a chance to redeem ourselves after Charles was tripped in the area. But the pressure told in the dying minutes and Ryan fluffed the shot.

I substituted myself early on in the game because I’m not an attacking sort of player and I felt we needed more oomph going forward. Turned out to be a good move I guess. Charles replaced me. Later I discovered that Renhaw was boss and I really shouldn’t have substituted myself since I did not have the rightful authority. Hahaha… Came on in the second half, made a few clearances and shackled their No. 12.

Carlton 0 Melb Uni 2

The first goal that Melb Uni scored was a freakish goal. It was an attempted cross into the area that somehow slipped under Khai’s goal. Reminds me of Ronaldinho versus David Seaman World Cup 2002. Freak, freak, freak!!!! Second goal was because of poor defending which led to a cross and an eventual sitter by one of their strikers. I came on late in the game and played in a slightly more attacking role. Got a few touches but not much impact. Really, I’m a crap soccer player. Give me basketball any day man! :(

Best Male Performer:

This has to go to my good friend Alvin Tjipto who captained the Parkville team. He was constantly running and turning opponents inside out. I heard he scored 2 set pieces against Melb Uni. Both free kicks. That’s a pretty big deal.

Carlton’s Best Male Performer:

Chris Jonatan hand’s down. He was commanding in defence and if we had Kay Weng fit as well, I don’t think we could have been broken down. Gavin also deserves a lot of credit after a solid defensive midfield display.

Best Female Performer:

Sarah. The girl from Melb Uni. She played an unbelievable 120 minutes consecutively. Fitter than most of the guys I reckon. Late on against Parkville, she was hacked in the shin pretty badly (shame on you boys.. tsk tsk).

Carlton’s Best Female Performer:

Well, I think all the girls did a good job, running around and distracting the other boys. Hehe :p I thought Kat and Sin Wei were particularly effective, running rings around the others. It would be better if the girls stayed in front and help orchestrate any form of attack with quick link up play. Okay, it may be a tall order against much stronger opponents, but quick touches and hard running will suffice. Poor Sin Wei did manage to land on her bum. I was pretty concerned but she picked herself up in a hurry van Nistelrooy style so I don’t think she was hurt at all. Later found out from her that it DID hurt. D’oh!!!

I shall not elaborate on worst performer because I’m most certain it will be myself. Melvin was telling me I’ve got to live up to the Number 8 I was wearing.

“C’mon Jon!! Lampard, Rooney, Ljungberg…”
Ugh, I think I’ll take a rubbish number in future. Too much pressure!

To conclude, everyone had lots of fun and we were there for the fellowship. I felt the love in the air and everyone was buzzing with excitement. Our Red jerseys made us look like the China National Team celebrating Chinese New Year in Chinatown with Chinese firecrackers. But happiness-wise, it was nearly as momentous. Can’t wait to don the Carltonian colours again. :)