A Red And Gold Show
After three relatively barren seasons, there would at last be silverware from both clubs for show at the combined annual meeting, with Grilled Birds trotting out their second Ruby Challenger Cup, and Farmer Bunnies a third Division Four league trophy.
The ceremony, traditionally held on a Friday night, was delayed due to Bunnies players
Lau Chang Wan and
Wong Ting Yew being engaged in an U-20 World Cup match against the United States of America, and the duo would return with a formidable scalp under their belts, both playing the full ninety minutes in a 3-0 triumph at the Stade Zinedine Zidane in Alabama. Lau further scored his second international goal, set up from a set-piece routine by West Zouk team's Chan Li Beng.
It came only as a minor surprise, then, that they were selected as Bunnies' Player and Young Player of the Season respectively.
Sikong Darong admitted that it was a tough call, coming against as it did a spectacular 26 goal-season from
Enzo Paolo Panzarino, which would probably have won the Swede his third straight personal honour in other circumstances.
"And I'm not even including
Sofian Azfar's sustained excellence, which would have been more than deserving of recognition." Sikong added. "We were earnestly considering another shared award, but the committee members agreed that it wouldn't do to make a habit of that."
"After considering all the factors, Lau's accomplishments this year edged those of his peers, and we are pleased to pronounce him Farmer Bunnies POTS."
Wong had just made his U-20 return against the United States after being excluded from the initial squad, was all for his colleague. "Lau was the best of us these past few months. He brings a calm stability to whatever position he occupies."
The Birds' half of the proceedings began with their induction of German striker
Domenik Bögengang into their Hall of Fame, a day ahead of his testimonial, as the sixth member. Their Player of the Season selections were about as expected, with hot favourites
Yuki Irie and
Neeraj Muthyala getting the nod.
The Number Three and Number Four took to the stage together to hold the national trophy aloft for the cameras, before Yuki made a very brief and bold statement - "Next season, again!"
