By Will Couston (aka Goose)

Last weekend VSC found themselves facing more than just their opposition in their MHL3 clash with in form side Tornados. Unbeknown to the VSC players as they warmed up for the match, a menacing tornado was forming on the horizon, threatening to jeopardise what was meant to be a routine game. The intrusion of this awe-inspiring natural phenomenon not only disrupted the scheduled match but also left all present in a state of awe and trepidation, emphasising the unpredictable and powerful nature of our planet's atmospheric forces. This report details the extraordinary occurrence that unfolded when the VSC hockey team confronted the forces of nature at the Sengkang hockey stadium.

Pre-game the weather was pleasant, if not a bit warm with no sign of a tornado. The VSC players, in their black and gold kit, were thrilled with the compliments they received from WWB, regarding the quality of the colours on their kit. This boosted their spirits, leading them to anticipate a pleasant match ahead. Unbeknownst to VSC this was all mind games. Nature had a different plan in store, as the calm and sunny pre-match conditions would soon give way to an unforeseen and menacing turn of events.

During the pre-match chat, an interesting subplot unfolded within the Tornados team. Will’s recent obsession with collecting cards like confetti, had led to the frustration of his teammates. Tony decided to issue a stern warning, that if he dared to collect another card during this particular match, he would incur not just the consequences of a suspension but also the ferocious wrath of the looming tornado, rendering him unavailable for the next match. To Tony's astonishment, Will didn't seem particularly deterred by this threat. In fact, Will seemed to relish the idea of a suspension as he was contemplating a trip to Bangkok next weekend, and thus, was almost tempted to test the tornado's fury by collecting another card.

When the game pushed back, a sense of anticipation filled the air. However, an extraordinary turn of events unfolded in the blink of an eye. The moment the ball was put into play, it was inexplicably drawn into the swirling vortex of the menacing tornado before any VSC player could even make contact with it. The tornado, in a display of sheer power, rampaged across the pitch, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Trees, goalposts, and any remnants of a peaceful match day were obliterated in its ferocious path. Then, with an almost surreal twist, the tornado, swazzed (sic) the ball into the goal. The score stood at 1-0 to the tornado, VSC were stunned.

After an initially unsuccessful penalty corner, the tornado decided it was time for a new strategy, power and destruction. No messing around this time and two goals followed. Half time The Tornado - 3, VSC - 0.

During the third quarter, the weather relented, with the earlier menacing tornado now a distant memory. The pace of the game seemed to lag, and tensions were running high among the VSC players. In a sudden fit of frustration, the VSC goalkeeper, still reeling from the earlier tornado-induced goal, decided to take matters into his own hands – or, more accurately, his feet, launching a two-footed slide tackle on Will. The tackle was executed with such ferocity that it mirrored the raw power of the tornado that had graced the pitch earlier.

Will, on the receiving end of this audacious move, was not about to take the tackle lying down. He immediately vented his frustration at the umpire, convinced that such an aggressive slide tackle warranted a card and a penalty stroke. In fact, he was secretly hoping for the card himself, as it would grant him the suspension he needed to travel to Bangkok next weekend. Alas his efforts were futile as the umpire simply declared a 16 yard hit out was a fair compromise.

As the third quarter of the match progressed, the weather remained calm. During the third quarter break, Harry the weatherman made an unusual announcement. With a wistful look in his eye, he confessed that he was missing the sight of the tornado that had earlier graced the hockey pitch. In a moment of apparent wisdom, he suggested a method to summon the tornado. If the Tornados could complete ten consecutive passes, the full power of the tornado would once again be unleashed.

The VSC players could only watch in disbelief as Tornados calmly and skilfully executed ten consecutive passes. The ball moved from player to player, with an almost uncanny precision offering a stark contrast to the earlier chaos of the match. Suddenly, a slide rule pass from Josh found Tim, who was perfectly positioned to insert the ball into the goal. The goal was executed with such finesse that it left the VSC goalkeeper and defenders in awe, unable to react in time. The scoreboard now read 5-0 in favour of the Tornado Hockey Team.

Following the goal, Tornados maintained a firm grip on the match. A sixth goal would soon follow when in a moment of brilliance, Josh bounced the ball into the turf much like a basketball player's dribble, showcasing his exceptional ball-handling skills. With his control firmly established, he unleashed a pile driver of a shot that soared towards the goal with astonishing velocity. The sheer power and precision of the shot were reminiscent of the tornado itself, as the ball found the back of the net in a blur of motion.

The new VSC goalkeeper, having only been on the pitch for 5 minutes, was no better prepared to deal with the formidable power of the tornado which had manifested itself in Josh's incredible strike. The ball had whizzed past him with such force that it was almost as if he never had a chance.

As the final whistle blew, the VSC team members couldn't have been more relieved to retreat from the chaotic field. The prospect of sheltering from the tornado in a bunker was a comforting thought, a respite from the unpredictable events that had transpired throughout the match.

After the game, reporter Phill Lynne was lucky enough to speak to Harry the weatherman and the VSC goalkeeper, here is what they had to say:
Reporter Phill Lynne: "Harry, it was quite the day with that tornado making an appearance. What are your thoughts on witnessing such an unusual sight on the hockey pitch?"
Weatherman Harry: (With a gleam in his eye) "Oh, Phill, that was the best tornado I've ever seen! A magnificent spectacle of nature! You know, I had missed seeing the phenomena up close, and today was a treat. Tornados are like old friends; you never really forget them."
Reporter Phill Lynne: "And, [insert name for VSC goalkeeper], you had quite a day too. How are you feeling about the match and your substitution during the game?"
VSC Goalkeeper: (Visibly frustrated) "I can't believe it, Phill! I was substituted because I couldn't stop that tornado? Come on, the tornado's not something you stop with a save! It's my defenders' job to protect the goal. I mean, they should've taken more responsibility for that one. I was out there shouting my lungs out!"

The tornado had well and truly left its mark on the Sengkang hockey stadium, with all other hockey teams in Singapore fearing the mystery appearance of the Tornado.

Ed - there was a 4th goal too, but who cares about that. Will didn’t score it, so he clearly doesn’t... He also missed the bit about him missing a goal from an exact situation that had been practiced and practiced at training only 4 days earlier. Shame his brother and Dad were there to witness this heinous act..