The 2019 U15 FOBISIA Games will go down long in the memories of all who were present at Thanyapura to witness the supreme efforts of the boys representing the British International School Ho Chi Minh City (BIS HCMC).
Day one started with the swimmers competing in 20 events in the swimming pool. Incredibly, BIS HCMC finished in the top two places in each of the 20 events recording 12 1st places and 8 2nd places. This included an amazing 7 personal bests and the winning of all relay races. An amazing achievement by a squad who started dominant in the relays and didn't let their concentration or determination levels drop throughout.
Gold medals went to:
Silver medals claimed by:
In the afternoon the boys continued their excelling attitude and supported one another in every sense of the word; helping, encouraging and cheering on medal after medal on the track and field.
Firstly, HyunSoo broke the school high jump record by clearing 1.69m to claim second place in the High Jump A. This was only the beginning of the record breaking, with a FOBISIA record to go next with a Triple Jump distance of 11.60m, smashing the old record by a mammoth 41cm!
There were a total of 14 podiums from a possible 24 in athletics which is once again a huge achievement from the team.
Gold medals were worn by:
Silver medals awarded to:
Bronze medals handed to:
Day 2 was another epic day that saw our basketball squad take dominance on the court and prove that this set of boys are a force to be reckoned with.
The day tipped off against a highly regarded Harrow Beijing team and BIS had to fight very hard and play some good defence to keep out an attack minded HBJ. However, our offence exposed the weaknesses of HBJ and after a late comeback by HBJ, BIS were deserved winners 21-15. Man of the Match: Mac.
The second game was an easier affair against ISP. BIS reached the 20 point margin of the mercy rule and were able to give every player game time. Man of the Match: Khoa
One of our best performances of the day came against Wellington Shanghai. The defence of the boys shut out Wellington and BIS very quickly reached the mercy rule 20-0 having rotated players throughout the game and BIS must have accumulated double or triple the margin with some professional and at times breath-taking basketball. Man of the Match: HyunSoo
Next up was St Andrews and once again BIS reached the mercy rule margin 26-6 in quick time and gave players rests and players coming in matching the standards set by those before them with excellent defensive and offensive play. Man of the Match: HyunSoo
Our biggest test came in our penultimate game against Bangkok Prep. They had also won all of their games and it proved to be an exciting affair. BKP started well and it was the first time that BIS were behind in the whole tournament. However, BIS did not panic and continued to play their own game and started to nullify the threat from BKP and rely upon our attacking strengths. The constant BIS pressure paid off and BIS held their nerve to win the deciding game 21-15. A massive performance against a school who have been our bogey team in basketball in recent years. Man of the Match: Mac.
Our final game came against Discovery Bay HK and every player stepped up to the mark and produced good performances against a spirited opposition. BIS had to overcome adversity for only the second time in the tournament in this match to eventually find a way to win and take the game 29-20. Man of the Match: York.
This is the first time that BIS have won the U15 FOBISIA Basketball competition, having finished in medal places before but never lifting the trophy. Well done to all 14 players who represented BIS, all playing a lot of time in basketball and all recording scores in the competition.
The third and final competition day saw BIS compete in football for the final trophy of the games. It was a day of two halves for both weather and goals, with the morning time seeing stormy weather and very cagey 0-0 draws between all schools, to the afternoon being hot and sunny with goals galore being scored.
BIS’ first match was against Bangkok Prep and the game had its chances at either end but ultimately finished in a 0-0 stalemate. Man of the Match: Mac.
The second game was much of the same with BIS defending well but not being able to breach the goal of Harrow Beijing for another 0-0 draw. Man of the Match: Will.
The third game was against St Andrews and BIS took a deserved lead through Khoa in the first half. However, a series of fouls led to free kicks on the edge of the box and STG second half goals to edge the game and ultimately take the third place trophy from BIS as a result of this. Man of the Match: Khoa.
The fourth game saw BIS entertain Wellington Shanghai and there was nothing between the team throughout the contest. Another free kick came to haunt BIS, this time striking a post and then hitting the goalkeeper to go into the goal for the only goal of the game. Man of the Match: Hung.
Two games and BIS had to continue to show excellent character to stay within trophy places. They started this endeavour with a very impressive 2-0 win against ISP. Goals from Mac, a long driving run and finish from afar and a second poachers goal of the day by Khoa was enough for the victory. Man of the Match: Henry.
The final game was against eventual champions Discovery Bay and BIS pushed them all the way, with DBIS needing the victory to take the winners trophy. BIS had their own chances but could not hold them out for the whole game and conceded quite undeservedly. Man of the Match: Will.
The standard of football was very even between all schools and this showed with the final standings. One loss turned to a draw would have meant fourth place and draw to a win would have meant a third place finish.
Yet again the attitude and character of the players was exceptional and if it wasn't at this level then BIS would have been punished by the excellent teams on show.
This will be the last FOBISIA games for some but I am sure the memories will last for a lifetime.
Phil Husband, Director of Sport
