RR Hoops Playoff 2007 - The Story... By: The Boss No comments

And so...what a day of shooting hops we've had eh? Guess each one of you we're waiting anxiously for this post eh? Sorry pals...my bad. Been busy running all over the place...anyway, as promised here's the story!

There was a certain buzz about Real Sports Arena early in the morning on the 16th of June 2007, as more than a hundred basketball-crazy players/fans gathered for our very own inaugral Sel #6 Expedition Rangers' Hoops Play-off 2007. And what a day it was! Everyone was up early, warming up, stuffing down food, applying all sorts of cream, discussing team tactics, getting themselves pumped up. It was great to see soooo many new faces present too! A total of 8 guy teams and 4 girl teams took part in this event. It was great to have teams from Kota Kemuning CF, Convent School, other churches, Selangor 7, and of course, from our very own Sel #6 and Youth Alive. With all these teams present, it only meant one thing...a fantastic day of shooting hoops!

The whole event was played according to group stages, and the top 2 teams of each group progressed to the next stage, and from there on, the final 2 teams squarred off in the finals. Those of you who think that this was a friendly tournament, man...you're so wrong! This was exactly what it is...a full blooded, adrenaline-filled, heart-pumping, physical battle and gut-wrenching encounter! But hey, its all a part of the sport. Once its over, it was handshakes all around. No offence meant, none taken.

And after almost 4 hours of battle on the court, we finally have our very first Hoops Play-off champions! The results of the final battle are as following:

Guys
Champion: Multirace Nandei
Runners-up: The Conquerors


Girls
Champion: Jia Lat
Runners-up: Red Hot Babes

Enjoy the shots!

Cmdr. Reuben giving the players the pre-match briefing, although he knows nuts about basketball..:)


All the players in their coat of multicolours waiting anxiously for the briefing to end so that the match can start.

Team Multirace Nandei, together with Su Ann...not too sure what's so multiracial about them anyway. Mostly all Chinese except for one fella who's half Indon...

Team Jia Lat and Dot Dot Dot leading the way with their warm up session. Kinda' intimidating when you see a whole bunch of ladies doin' these sort of things...

A scene from the match between team Conquerors vs Guys From The Seven!

Everything was made more exciting with the many fine looking spectators and fans that we're present on that day...

The two of them literally forced their faces into the camera lense...so what to do? Have to take their shot lo...

Check out our referee Su Ann stuck in the middle during the match between the Multirace Nandei vs team Tutup Mata Hantam! Haha...

There she goes. Cheryl doin it again just before her match. Why does she always have to do that? :) The players from Dot Dot Dot facing the Red Hot Babes...

The main reason why Malaysian sportsmen dont go very far...in between matches, stuffing down a packet of nasi lemak. Aiyoyo...how to play like that la, brothers???

Ref Sern Yi briefing the ladies just before team Dot Dot Dot take on Jia Lat. This was probably the friendliest match of the day. And check out the little lady at the left. That's officially the youngest player ever to participate in a basketball tourney. Shortest also...give it up to Mie Shie! Haha....

The guy's finals : The Conquerors vs Multirace Nandei

This was one really hot match, as those who witnessed will tell. Great competitive spirit, great rivals, tournament favourites, dazzling skills on display...what a great way to end the tournament!

The prizes that awaits the winners...not bad eh? Pay only RM5 per person and this is what you get! Now that's what I call a good bargain...haha. Lovely eh?

Cmdr. Reuben given the honour to present the medals to the ladies champions and runners-up. Feels kinda' gaya doing that wei...

The winning captain, Amy Tan with her share of the champion's lot. Btw, that's sparkling juice...100% non-alcoholic! :) But still capable enough to have a 'champagne celebration'!

Team photo of Jia Lat. Women's Champion for Hoops Play-off 2007! Congrats...

Well done, ladies. Great show by the ladies in Red. Personally, my favourites to win the tourney. Looks like this year, all my predictions went out the window...haih.

Runners-up for the guys...team Conquerors. Honestly, I would have bet my house on them winning this tournament. These guys are good! Anyway, thank God I didnt...:)

Cmdr. Kyleen presenting the winner's medal to the guys. And up steps Cmdr. Zhi Fung, leading the way for his team.

Way to go, boys! Enjoy eating your medals and chocolates, as shown by our Milo man...

Well..before I'm done with this post, I'd like to appreciate all those who were responsible for making this event a huge success...if not, later I will kena stoned! Haha...

In no particular order of appreciation, I'd like to thank:

1. The Expedition Rangers of Selangor #6 for brainstorming, planning, discussing and getting things done. Well done, rangers!

2. Shaun Lim, the kepala. Great job once again for leading your pack. Next up, the world cup!

3. All the volunteer referees: Sern Yi, Gary, Khang Yin, Jason Ong, Ker Shin, Kelsey, Su Ann...and of course, our very own one-arm bandit, Cmdr. Wei Chuan. No one knows how much he sacrificed to get to this tournament. If you hear his story, you'll shed a tear...

4. All our volunteer scorers and timekeepers, for ensuring everything went on smoothly, fairly and helping us decide who won the match! Many thanks to Daniel Raj, Amy Joy, Cmdr. Andy, Cmdr. Kyleen, Cmdr. Eric, Lisa and etc. So sorry if I missed out your name.

5. Cmdr. Kenny and Lisa, for helping out with the poster design and forms.

6. To the players, team managers and everyone out there who had a part to play, and did extremely well. We look forward to seeing you all again in 2008!

7. Benjamin Hean...for all the help and assistance provided to get the courts ready for matchday. Thanks again, bro!

Once again, a big congratulations to the winners and the rest for putting on a show worth watching. Remember friends, bigger things ahead! Have a blessed week and God bless!

Anyone wanna futsal???