The tense atmosphere seemed perfect for a showpiece event as ISB lined up to face SAS. Fate put the two rivals up against each other again, giving the Panthers a chance for retribution against the side that so cruelly denied them to a perfect record with a last-gasp goal seconds before the final whistle.

However, this date with destiny would be retracted by the Thai monsoons, as the dreaded lightning warning ran seconds before the Panthers and Eagles took to the field. Amid much frustration, the coaches decided that the tournament was to be called off, and the ISB boys and ISM girls would be rewarded with the Gold Medals for their lofty places atop the standings.

While the decision seemed reasonable to most onlookers, one must have sympathy for the SAS Boys who missed their chance to play in the final. Additionally, losing their bronze medals on goal difference will be bitter pills to swallow for the ISKL Boys and ISB Girls.

However, both Gold Medalists set a gold standard for the quality of football played at the tournament. ISM’s girl’s team played in a truly innovative style, as the manner that they kept the ball on the ground and consistently played out from the back looked like a reflection of top professional teams. The hard work done by coaches Erik Richardson and Mark Cooling to revamp the ISM Girl’s coaching system, as quoted in a post game interview in their penultimate match, has finally paid dividends as their team looks far and away the strongest team in the Girls tournament.

ISB’s boys were not dissimilar in their approach, with Coach Speirs instilling principle and discipline into the panther’s approach to the game. The team dominated most of their games on home turf, and even the loss to SAS saw ISB control the ball for large swaths of the game. Coach Speirs has declared this current crop of players as the “best team that he has coached in 20 years,” specifically highlighting their compassion and intensity.

The JIS Girl’s team remained the only undefeated side over the course of the tournament, as coach Paul McTige successfully implemented a complex tactical system to ensure his side remained the tightest defence at IASAS. His players were well drilled in a positional sense, rarely losing their shape or being caught out of position. Additionally, their intense pressing style which they used to choke teams and deny them the chance to fall into rhythm required buckets of energy, which were maintained through frequent substitutions made by McTige. Overall, their ability to adapt to various different situations, their ability to maintain composure in the face of danger made the Dragons one of the standout performers at the tournament.

Innovative styles of play and brilliant support from the various teams’ fans provide more than enough reasons to be cheerful amidst an ending that may cause anger or discontent among some. One can only hope that this IASAS will be remembered for the great athletes that took to the field, and not for the conditions that denied them their championship games.

Gian Chansrichawla