IHC 2015 TŪHURA: Midweek Update

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By Qiu Kexin (16A13A), Md Khairillah (16A01B), Justin Lim (16A01B)
Photos by Raffles Photographic Society

Flooded with Whatsapp messages about TŪHURA? The past few days may have seen you being flooded with messages on your OG or class groups urging you to partake in an IHC sport– to represent your house in an unforgettable endeavour, and also to stand a chance to win some merch with the insanely good looking logo. Indeed, with the official inauguration of the Inter-House Competition (IHC) 2015 this week, the IHC has experienced its fair share of fanfare and excitement. As the first few segments were held in the past three days, the barrage of spectators flocking to the venues have certainly not been disappointed with the intense displays of sporting prowess displayed by the five houses.

On Raffles Press’ end, we seek to bring you some quick insights into the events for the first two days of IHC: Floorball, Table Tennis, and Cricket.

Day One
Floorball

As the first of the IHC matches, the well-hyped Floorball match commenced to much enthusiasm, with driven players from the five houses raring to go as spectators witnessed their first IHC match.

Spectators getting up and close with the action as an MR player tries to obtain possession of the ball.

Spectators were also not disappointed as they witnessed many exceptional moments and skilful goal-scoring manoeuvres throughout the match that made the playing field an exhilarating one to observe. Together on the floor, opponents batted with each other’s sticks to wrangle control of one small and sly ball.

Stronger players seemed to dominate the game in terms of leadership and strategic roles in the offence. Despite this, the less experienced players, some of whom were trying out the sport for the first time, were instrumental in the heated fight between the houses, having provided indispensable support mainly in the defensive components of the game, especially whenever the ball was too close to a goal for comfort.

day 1 3 — In the last minutes of a match, MT players try to seize the ball to score a goal.

The Floorball IHC saw its fair share of intense play too, especially in the last match of the day between the phoenix-lings MT and wolf pack, MR. MT was about to equalise the score when the final whistle was blown. The match was concluded with thus MR securing the victory for the round.

The event concluded with placings determined by the number of matches won in a round-robin between the five Houses, and HH had the glory of walking away as overall winners.

Placings: 1st: HH, 2nd: MR, 3rd: MT, 4th: BB, 5th: BW

Day Two
Table Tennis

Compared to the inaugural first day of matches, the Table Tennis IHC was a relatively mellow affair that saw us entering a world of easy-going matches over the tables more so than the arena of lightning-speed blasts of reflexive swings and powerful backhand strokes.

Relaxed though some matches may have been, the players still eagerly participated in teams during the Doubles rounds.

The play-offs were, however, definitely not laidback as players were still thoroughly engaged in each of their own matches. It was clear from the the unbreakable focus assumed by the ecompetitors that each of them were still in it to win it.

An MT player swings at a ball with his might, while a BB player is poised in a crouch, ready to react.

Additionally, the event also opened up several opportunities for players to interact with each other across houses, with heated face-offs that helped to kindle some kinship between opponents from different houses afterwards. An MT player, who had been a newbie to Table Tennis, quipped that it was a “casual, yet enjoyable” experience where “everyone got equal chances to play, regardless of skill levels.” Sentiments were apparent, that the Table Tennis IHC seemed to have successfully provided participants with the opportunity to forge friendships within the level, amidst the friendly competition.

A group photo of all competitors from the various houses as the event comes to a close.

Standings: 1st: MT, 2nd: HH, 3rd: BB, 4th: MR, 5th: BW

Cricket

Most participants participating in the Cricket IHC were unfamiliar with the sport. However, that didn’t stop everyone from putting up a good fight! Cricket is notorious for its convoluted rules that baffle most newbies. Yet, admirably, most participants had to learn cricket gameplay right off the bat.

Participants listening intently to an explanation of the game’s rules before the game commences.

Though the rules seemed complicated in hindsight, the training provided beforehand definitely helped players strategise towards their eventual wins for their house. MT managed to gain an upper hand over their opponents, cementing their title as champions.

It’s a bird it’s a plane it’s a cricket ball!

“It was a smashing good time for those present. Despite our lack of experience, it did not stop us from having a pleasant game,” a player present remarked. He also credited Raffles Table Tennis, stating that “the organisers had been effective and understanding in introducing newbies to the game” and that the game had additionally been an “ample opportunity to mingle with participants from other houses”, as well as “end the day in a fulfilling way.”

Standings: 1st: MT, 2nd: BW, 3rd: HH, 4th: MR, 5th: BB

Just the Beginning
It’s been evident from the past two days that IHC 2015 has gotten off to a good start, with active participation by seasoned players and beginners alike and zealous effort displayed by all players. Stay tuned for next week’s coverage!