Bullets produce scintillating display to win Zonal League

16th April 2018

Bowen Bullets starting line-up

The B Div Boys from Bowen Secondary created history in winning the school's first ever football title this afternoon at the Woodlands Stadium, after edging Marsiling Secondary School 2-1 with a sparkling performance of flair and disciplined football.

Bullets Muhd Tahalif taking a penaltykick

The newly-crowned North Zone Zonal League Champions had to come back from a goal down and a missed penalty in the first half to overcome Marsiling.

Before the Bullets had settled into the game, a quick Marsiling break in only the 2nd minute of the game saw the Bowen defence leaving Marsiling right winger free to slot the ball into goal unchallenged.

Bullets left midfielder Nitin attempting to outfox his marker

But as soon as the Bullets decided to get serious, they dominated possession with quick touches and clever off-the-ball running. They earned a penalty in the 8th minute after Bullets striker, Muhd Hisam was fouled in the penalty box after receiving the ball from team mate Muhd Zulhilmi. However, Bowen's most experienced player Muhd Tahalif's spot kick was saved by the Marsiling goalkeeper.

Both Tahalif and Hisam were guilty of missing sitters before the break, hitting the bar, both posts and then missing the target altogether.

Bullets striker Muhd Hisam about to socre Bowen's winning goal

Marsiling finally caved in to the incessant pressure in the 23rd minute when Hisam knocked the ball into an empty net from close range after a tense scuffle in the penalty box.

The Bullets looked poised to get a likely winner in the 2nd half, displaying incisive passing and movement to break up the Marsiling defence. After a few misses, substitute Muhd Fareez finally provided the extra punch that made the difference in the 70th minute. Coming on for the the tiring Zulhilimi, Fareez produced a  slide-rule pass that found Hisam behind both Marsiling central defenders. The lively striker slotted the ball into goal with aplomb and wheeled away to celebrate what looked like the winning goal.

Bullets captain Muhd Yusri consoling a Marsiling player

At the final whistle, the collective sigh of relief and release of emotion was evident from the Bowen bench as the squad rushed in to celebrate Bowen's maiden football title.

North Zone Zonal League Champions 2018

Sharper Bowen Bullets edge Greendale to reach Zonal Final

9th April 2018

The B Div Boys from Bowen Secondary School secured a final appearance in the North Zone Zonal League as they survived a tricky duel against Greendale Secondary School at Woodlands Stadium this afternoon, winning a tense match 2-1.

Bowen Bullets starting 11

An energetic Greendale side burst out from the blocks at the starting whistle, creating shooting chances and forcing errors from the Bowen Bullets back four of Raeis, Shah, Muhd Hamizan and Muhd Yusri. Fortunately for the Bullets, Greendale's finishing left much to be desired.

Half-Time talk

It took 44 minutes for Muhd Tahalif to settle Bowen's nerves, nodding a well-taken free-kick from team mate Shah across the Greendale keeper who somehow allowed the ball to bobble harmlessly into the goal mouth.

Greendale did well to get back in the game 6 minutes later. Bowen failed to close up space on the left and allowed Greendale's right winger to deliver a cross that sailed over Bowen keeper Koei, just in time for a Greendale player to tap in the equaliser at the far post.

The Bowen Bullets took the lead again in the 60th minute after some good inter-play between Bowen left winger Nitin and striker Muhd Hisam released Muhd Arrifin just inside the penalty box. Working the ball to his right, Ariffin unleashed a stiff shot which headed straight into goal.

The Bullets managed to quash any hope of a Greendale revival and could have gone further ahead when Arrifin hit the bar in the 75th minute.

At the final whistle, the Bullets heaved a sigh a relief. They will go on to next Monday's final where they will meet Marsiling Secondary School, a side they had beaten 4-3 during the preliminary rounds.

Senior Bullets overcame Christ Church 3-0 to qualify for Zonal League Semi-Finals

2 April 2018

Starting line-up for the Bowen Bullets

The B Div Boys from Bowen Secondary put aside their disappointment of not qualifying for the School Premier League to clinch a semi-final spot in the Zonal League (North) after beating Christ Church Secondary 3-0 at Woodgrove Sec this afternoon.

Bullets right-winger, Fareez giving his opponent a tough time.

Muhd Tahalif scored from a corner kick with a towering header 3 minutes before the half-time break. Bullets striker Muhd Hisam added a second goal from close range in the 59th minute after another Bullets corner kick was haphazardly dealt with by the Christ Church defenders. Muhd Tahalif put the result beyond doubt in the 69th minute; his crisp volley inside the penalty box was too hot to handle for the impressive Christ Church goalkeeper who let the ball sneak under him into goal.

Bullets right-back (no. 12) preparing to launch the ball back in play

The Bullets will now need just a draw against Orchid Park Secondary to top their group.

Bullets centre-back Raeis starting another attack from the back with a punt into the opponents' half.

Bowen Bullets went down fighting to Sports School

22th March 2018

The C Div Boys from Bowen Secondary suffered their 2nd lost in the NZ Inter-Schools Competition this afternoon at the Sengkang Secondary School Field. The Bullets kept things tight against the competition favourites, Singapore Sports School (SSP) but the effort was not enough to prevent a 0-3 scoreline.

Against a technically more superior outfit, the Bullets kept their attacking instincts in check, inviting their opponents to come at them, while waiting for the opportunity to strike. In the first 15 minutes, the Bullets midfield duo of Aniq Syazani and Ahmad Zikri, worked well to put the shackles on SSP's midfielders while skipper Ethan Koh lead the defence to foil SSP's attempts to penetrate through the middle.

From a free kick outside the penalty box in the 20th min, SSP opened accounts when a flat attempt by the SSP skipper sailed over the wall and straight at Bullets keeper Tang Guan Xi who allowed the ball to slip between his legs and into goal. It was the only talking point of the first half as both teams did not look like scoring otherwise.

There was more of the same in the 2nd half as the Bullets sat back while SSP build up play from their own half. It took another 17 minutes before SSP scored again. This time, the Bullets had themselves to blame. The defence switched off for a moment and that was enough for SSP striker to find himself in acres of space just inside the penalty box to direct a low cross from the left into the Bullets' goal mouth.

In the 53rd minute, SSP settled the proceedings, profitting from another lapse of concentration from the Bullets. The SSP front man was left unmarked during a corner kick and rose highest to nod the ball past Guan Xi again.

The Bullets will now have to avoid losing their postponed match against Ahmad Ibrahim Secondary School to qualify for the semi-finals.

GROUP Y		P	W	D	L	F	A	GD	Total Points
1	SINGAPORE SPORTS SCHOOL	3	3	0	0	12	1	11	9
2	BOWEN SECONDARY SCHOOL	2	1	0	1	5	6	-1	3
3	NORTH VISTA SECONDARY SCHOOL	3	1	0	2	6	8	-2	3
4	AHMAD IBRAHIM SECONDARY SCHOOL	2	0	0	2	0	8	-8	0