Year 1 - 1996, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Lots of errors in the Singapore team as printed in the Games magazine, and even a few, "who's that??"

THE TEAM
Top (L to R) : Elly Tham, May Leng (Stephanie), Susan, Shanti, Peck Lin, Wei Min
Bottom (L to R) : Vivienne, Martha, Ling, Gwen, Hur


THE SCORE
3 (Singapore - Ling (1) and Susan (2)) : 0 (Malaysia)


LADIES SOCCER TEAM WIN THE DAY IN KL
(SAWL Times October 1996 Article)

One of the most memorable events in this year's Law Games was, without doubt, the Ladies' Soccer Event. The unprecedented inclusion of this game was initated by a group of football enthusiasts who had played and enjoyed the game during the Law School days. Motivated by fond memories of the rough and tumble, the girls proposed the introduction of Ladies Soccer to the organisers. The Malaysian girls were equally game and took up the gauntlet.

Training sessions were held every Sunday, and closer to the game, on Wednesday nights as well. Our team was coached by very supportive male coaches who even accompanied them to KL. Even though it was a "non-competitive" game ie the scores were not to be included in the final tally, the girls took their training seriously and worked hard on their ball skills and teamwork.

The moment finally arrived. The players took their places for the kick off. The Singapore team looked great in their white tees, solid red shorts, long socks up to their knees and their "spikes". The Malaysian team also looked very professional in their yellow jerseys.

The crowd had gathered around the pitch, expecting some light entertainment - "comic relief" - slightly unkind jokes were cracked (mostly by men) about the players. Someone jibed about the goalie "Oh, be careful, you might chip your nails" and the crowd laughed.

Then the whistle blew and the action began. The teams from both sides dribbled and tackled, kicked long balls, high balls, made short passes, ran and played their hearts out. Watching the display of guts and skill on the field and sensing the spirited determination of the players, the mood of the crowd changed perceptibly. The "smart aleck" jokes died down and the supporters from both sides cheered as loud and hard as the girls played.

When the first goal was scored by the Singaporean team, the crowd almost went mad with delight. Some supporters danced about, waved their hands, attempted the Kallang roar and spilled over into the pitch. They loved it and even more when the second and third goals were scored. There was still a lot of jesting, but it was different. Someone said, "Wow, if that girl was a guy, she would have been Fandi". And the crowd smiled in agreement.


(photo below from printed article)

For the record, our team won by a score of 3-0. The scorers were Lee Chuen Ling (1) and Susan Lim (2). The other members were Shanti Abraham, Wong Peck Lin, Chua Wei Min, Wong Hur Yuin, Martha, Elly Tham, Gwendoline and Mei Ling.

Inspired by their victory, the girls are hoping to make Ladies Soccer a competitive game at next year's Law Games. They welcome new players. Interested parties should call Shanti Abraham at Tel : 5353600.