The 'F'hantoms continued their fine form in the 'semi-final of both the NSL as well as the season-ending Championship Challenge 2010. Through the season, the team dropped a mere 2 ties,and that has to be a record of sorts considering the number of matches played in the actively participated 'F' grade.

Dave Phua wrote (apologies to opponents that their names were not mentioned):

Brian Chang started the first tie in the battle of No. 3. It was an exciting 1st set which was neck-and-neck till Brian edged ahead to close it out by 14-12. Both gladiators playing the same style, it was Brian who claimed victory with a 3-0 straight sets win.

The No. 1s made their entrance and our 'F'hantom 1, Ben Chan, played as he had throughout the season, calm and patient. He claimed the 1st with ease before his opponent put up some resistance to steal some points but eventually had to succumb to the fast improving youngster in 3 straight sets as well.

Needing just 1 mere set of the third tie to seal victory for the 'F'hantoms, Jeremey Goh was determined to do more than just that after this team-mates have given the team a flying start. It was all Jeremy in the first 2 sets which he speedily wrapped up. 'Disaster' struck in the 3rd set, when the young man's opponent battled back to take the one and only set from UCSC from the encounter. With some steadying advice from Uncle Eddie, Jeremy re-focused and went back to normal mode to wrap up the final set easily to set UCSC 3-0 up.

While the results would have been academic, Darryl Tan stepped in for the final match-up no less determined to underscore the 'F'hantoms' superiority with an emphatic 3-0 win through penetrating straight and cross-court drives.

Captain Dave Phua, enthused, "What a fantastic match it was today. It was wonderful witnessing the boys' efforts and focus. Everyone played above expecations and the teamwork was simply unbelievable. Even the reserve, Warren, was soeager and prepared to play but it's such a pity that we were able to field only 4 players. It's great to see the boys' perform so well and now we need everyone to re-focus for the next and most important match this Friday evening(21st May) at Kallang against the ever-dangerous New Pioneers, who showed little respect for the law in beating the Police 3-1 in an adjacent court."

Don't forget the thrillers tomorrow evening (Tuesday 18th May) at Kallang where our 'D'estroyers and 'E'nergizers play in the 'semi-finals' for their places in the 'Finals' on Friday (21st May).

The 'C'onquerors play their Championship 'semi-final' tonight at Kallang.

UCSC Lives & Breathes Squash!