NTU v Central Park

For the first time in Sharks history, the opponent and the referee decides not to show up for the game. The game was scheduled to take place at 3pm but at 3.15pm, both the referee and the opponent, NTU Wanderers were nowhere in sight. A quick call to the NTU captain revealed that they were still at NTU campus, preparing to move off with the chartered bus at 4pm for the kickoff at 5pm!!?? A misunderstanding on the part of the NTU meant that they had to rushed to the venue and they only managed to reached the field at 4.30pm, leaving only 30mins left before another game to be started at 5pm on the same pitch. So what happened to the referee then? Well, for the referee is understandable as he called up to say that he was involved in a minor motor-cycling accident and thus unable to make the appointment due to a slight gash which needed medical attention. That left the match to be officiated by a Sharks member. While the Sharks A team felt that the match would be a no-show, they proceeded to some training sessions and managed to play a 30mins game involving defenders and attackers. Just when they were about to stop the session and leave the field, there comes the NTU entourage. A full busload of players with almost 30 supporters from the campus. What a sight! On the insistence of NTU captain Fucheng, the match proceeded.

Perhaps the best decision was for the match to be called off as the Sharks were visibly tired from the early workout. Even the fittest Sharks player in Azman and Jeremy were visibly not their normal playing self. It was no surprise that the Sharks went down 2 nil at halftime, which was played for only 25 minutes. Another goal in the second-half meant that the Sharks, despite trying with all what's left in their body were not able to pull a consolation goal back. Questions were being raised at full-time on the events that occurred. What actually happened? A quick check with the email exchanges between CPFC and NTU clearly states that the match was slated for 3pm. Was it right for the Sharks to proceed with the match? The manager quickly quoted that, 'While it may not be right for the match to be proceeded, generally the booking fee has been paid and thus since the opponent made an effort to rush down with a full entourage, it was definitely right for the match to be proceeded.' A quote by the Sharks A captain Jeremy, 'Cock-ups do happened and thus let's not point the finger to anyone.' The next Sharks match remains unconfirmed with some news revealing that the club will be sending 2 teams to compete in a 1 day tournament on the 8 Aug 2004.