Amin; Gregg, Jamie, Joel, Mike B; Pete, Danny, Rob, Sydney; Jon C, Min

Subs: Simon, Moose, Tom, Giles, Amir

By Joel Carpenter

After a gruelling game against the Casuals the day before, some weary legs took to the much improved pitch at Tanglin on Sunday afternoon. Fresh from a great result in the cup final, but also probably equally as tired, Ubin knew that the opposition, Rangers, would be a tough encounter to close out a long and draining season.

Ubin started the brighter with Min almost scoring from the kick-off. A couple of decent saves only prolonged the resistance however, as Ubin took the lead in slightly controversial circumstances – a great free-kick from Min cannoning of the underside of the bar. With two Ubin players bearing down on the rebound the linesmen flagged to signal that the ball had crossed the line and the goal was immediately given. As the linesmen probably had the best view, Ubin took his word for it, Rangers understandably disagreed.

More chances came and went as Ubin controlled the first half and look to increase their lead. Rangers gained more control of the ball as the half went on, playing some neat football without ever really testing Amin in goal due to a solid defensive display by all involved. 1-0 at half time, the message a simple on, 45 minutes left, put it all in, and more of the same.

The second half continued just like the first, Rangers playing some tidy football but Ubin looking much more dangerous with Pete and Sydney enjoying lots of success on the wings and the forwards looking to use their pace. One such move involving some great team work and a quick break by Pete set-up Min for his second of the day.

With Ubin now looking to finish the game off in style, chances went begging and a few good saves kept Ranger in it, before what proved the decisive moment of the match. From a Rangers corner the referee adjudged a ricochet to have bounced up and hit an Ubin hand – a little harsh Ubin thought. However, the Rangers forwards well struck penalty bounced of the post and Ubin put together the move of the match with Mike B capping a fine season and performance with a great run to thump the third home.

With both sides tiring, there was little else to report apart from a couple of chances from both teams  – the post denying Min another hatric and the Ubin defence clearing one off the line.

3-0 it ended, and a tough but encouraging season finished on a high note – plenty of positives to build on for next year….as discussed in the lengthy post match debrief in the Colbar!

Thanks to Rangers for a competitive but fair game as always and congrats on winning the plate (the day before).

Refs – some interesting decisions going both ways, but no bookings at least.

Ubin – a decent end to the season, and a lot of positives to take – the making of a good team and the fabled Ubin spirit is still alive and kicking!

Time for a rest!