Nov 15 2018
When SISKY lined up to take on Panyapatip school in a 7-a-side football match, it looked like a task of Biblical proportions awaited our gallant troops. While Panyapatip included giant Goliaths in their starting seven, the Siskyamites looked tiny in comparison, Otto aside. Luckily though, our miniature maestros had not read the script!
Imagine having a mini Lionel Messi and a reduced-sized Ronaldo in your team. With those two, you could beat anyone, couldn't you? Well, SISKY's very own Lionel Flinti was quick to open the scoring following a one-two with Binaldo to give the visitors a confidence boost.
Next it was Binaldo on the score sheet, making it 2-0, after beating 3 opponents and some good work from Soda, who was popping up everywhere and fizzing balls left, right and centre. (Sorry, I couldn't resist that, especially as it was true!).
Goals followed thick and fast thereafter with Otto's interception leading to the third goal, scored by Lionel Flinti, after he combined with Binaldo. The same pair linked for the fourth, converted by Binaldo, this time.
At the other end, a disciplined defence held the hosts at bay, and on the only occasion in the half when the opponents did get past Ten at centre back, Tung Tae raced back to clear the danger. Consequently, Prite in goal was rarely troubled and always looked assured.
Just before half time, Soda converted a Binaldo cross from an impossible angle to make it 5-0 at the break. Soda deserved that goal for all his hard work and had gone close, prior to that, with a header that went just wide.
At the break, Top replaced Soda and hordes of students from the host school turned up in large numbers to cheer on their classmates. The sound of the crowd seemed to do the trick as Panyapatip finally managed to breach Sisky's back line to make it 5-1.
A triple substitution immediately put the tiring Siskyamites back on the front foot, as Sainam replaced Prite in goal, Puth came on for Otto and Top made way for Pin, who hit the side net shortly afterwards.
The net was rippling again in no time, as Binaldo smashed home his hat-trick from the penalty spot to make it 6-1 to Sisky.
Despite the convincing victory, there can be no room for complacency with the return leg taking place next week. Nevertheless, the boys should take a bow, being the Biblical Davids in the face of Panyapatip's Goliaths on away territory. One more performance like that could could see the Siskyamites crowned the unofficial princes of the Khao Yai jungle.
Mr Joe.
St. Stephen’s International School
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