The 43rd SMA-Lim Ing Haan Cardiology Clinic Inter-Hospital Soccer Tournament was held on 13 May 2017 at Merlion Sports City – a refreshing change from competing at the Home United Youth Academy in the past few editions of this tournament. The weather was cooling with a slight breeze for most of the afternoon, much to the players' delight.
The first two matches of the day kicked off simultaneously at 3 pm between Khoo Teck Puat Hospital (KTPH) and Singapore General Hospital (SGH) on Pitch A, and Tan Tock Seng Hospital and Private Practice 2 on Pitch B. The eight participating teams struggled to gain possession and control of the ball during their preliminary rounds and the goals were few and far between, resulting in multiple draw outcomes for their first matches. As the players settled in and began playing in tandem with their teammates, the goals came in strong and fast with KTPH and Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) chalking up six goals each in Group A and B respectively by the end of the group stage matches, securing their spot in the finals.
As the defending champions, SGH fought hard against Changi General Hospital (CGH) in hopes of clinching the 2nd runner-up position, with Top Scorer, Dr Roshan Lalmalani scoring an early goal to seal the game within the first ten minutes. Dr Roshan was responsible for the majority of SGH's six goals throughout the four-hour tournament.
During the finals, the ultimate showdown between KTPH and SAF was filled with adrenaline-pumping action. Numerous penalties were awarded and possession of the ball swung rapidly between the two teams throughout the match. SAF kicked in an accurate shot in the first half of the match, but the KTPH team was undeterred and finally broke SAF's defence line in the second half to score two goals of their own. SAF tried to regain composure in their play but time was not on their side, and KTPH emerged victorious close to the 20th minute mark. Congratulations to KTPH for winning the championship at the 43rd SMA-Lim Ing Haan Cardiology Clinic Inter-Hospital Soccer Tournament! We hope that all players had an enjoyable afternoon of sporting fun at the pitches.
We would like to thank Lim Ing Haan Cardiology Clinic for their sponsorship of the players' jerseys and tournament balls, as well as Red Bull Singapore for their generous supply of drinks throughout the tournament.
Champion
Khoo Teck Puat Hospital
1st Runner Up
Singapore Armed Forces
2nd Runner Up
Singapore General Hospital
4th Placing
Changi General Hospital
5th Placing*
Private Practice 1
6th Placing*
National University Hospital
7th Placing* (tie)
Private Practice 2
Tan Tock Seng Hospital
* These placings are determined by the total number of goals scored in the preliminary rounds