KUALA LUMPUR (March 13, 2016): Arif Sabron single-handedly put an end to Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sports School (SSTMI) Thunderbolts’ reign, when he scored four to ensure Bukit Jalil Sports School emerge TNB Junior Cup 2016 champions, in a come from behind 4-3 win at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Sunday.
Arif’s four goals on the night also ensured he walked away with the Top Scorer award with 20 goals, one more than teammate Hafiizhuddin Zaidi, who missed the final because of suspension.
The first half saw both sides taking the cautious approach, but when the match finally came to life in the second half, it provided all the thrills of a final as both sides were forced to throw caution to the wind, in their bid to lift the crown.
Defending Champions SSTMI went ahead in the 34th minute through Mohd Akhimullah Anuar Essok, who tucked home after after a defensive error from the BJSS defence.
Muhd Luqman Hakim Mohd Asri made it 2-0 in the 44th minute, when he finished off a counter attack following a poorly executed BJSS penalty corner.
Bukit Jalil pulled one back two minutes later through Arif Sabron only for Muhd Arif Syafie Ishak to restore SSTMI’s two goal cushion from a penalty corner in the 46th minute to make 3-1.
Arif Sabron then converted a penalty corner in the 57th minute for his second of the night to make it 3-2 as BJSS, who had strong home support, refused to say die.
They got their equaliser in the 62nd minute when Man-of-the-Match Arif blasted in his hat-trick to make it 3-3.
He then bagged his fourth of the night in the final minute when he again converted from a penalty corner to seal a priceless 4-3 win for BJSS.
Team manager K. Rajan was all smiles after watching his side turn up the heat to seal victory despite being behind for most of the match.
“This is a very proud moment for BJSS and credit is due to the entire team for playing as a unit and never giving up even though they were down 1-3 at one point.
“Arif Sabron’s four goals were precious, and he deserved credit, for he has been consistent the entire season,” said BJSS team manager K. Rajan.
In the 3rd-4th placing, Pahang Sports School SSP-MSP Thunderbolt beat Anderson Thunderbolt 2-1 in the shoot-out after full-time ended 2-2.
Both sides rose to the occasion and showed their hunger in a thoroughly entertaining match that showcased the true quality of the top teams in the tournament.
Muhd Idris Samad was Pahang Sports School’s hero, scoring the opener in the 17th minute through a well worked penalty corner and the equaliser in the 58th minute to take the match to a shoot-out and the win.
Anderson’s goals were scored by captain, Muhd Nur Syahmi Zulkifli in the 40th minute and Muhd Azrai Aizad Abu Kamal in 58th minute.
Pahang Sports School team manager Wan Mazlan Isa was glad with his team’s performance in the tournament this season.
“I am proud of the boys as they followed the game plan from the start today (Sunday).
“Anderson played very well and they have a strong fighting spirit.
“Last year we finished fourth, so finishing third today is is an improvement,” added Wan Maslan who singled out Muhd Idris and captain Muhd Fakrul Rozi Rahmat as the main players behind their win.
As 3rd place finishers, Pahang Sports School will pocket RM15,000 while Anderson walkaway with RM10,000 in prize money.
Roll of Honour
Champions: Bukit Jalil Sports School Thunderbolt (RM25,000)
Runners-up: Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sports School (SSTMI) Thunderbolts (RM20,000)
Fairplay: Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sports School (SSTMI) Juniors (RM3,000)
Player of the Tournament: Alif Syazwan (SSTMI, RM1,500)
Best Goalkeeper: Abdul Hafiz Ali (Pahang Sports School, RM1,500)
Top Scorer: Arif Sabron (BJSS Thunderbolt 20 goals) (RM1,500)
Man of the Match: Arif Sabron (BJSS, RM1,500)
3rd Place: Pahang Sports School (RM15,000)
4th Place: Anderson Thunderbolt (RM10,000)
RESULTS – (Sunday, Mar 13) – Final: Bukit Jalil Sports School Thunderbolt 4 Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sports School Thunderbolts 3; 3rd-4th Placing: Pahang Sports School SSP-MSP Thunderbolt 2 Anderson Thunderbolt 2 (SSP-MSP won 2-1 in Shootout).
For further information kindly contact:
Christopher Raj
Shekhinah PR / 012-2161 881
chris@shekhinah.my
Fazil Mahmud
Shekhinah PR / 016-2782759
fazil@shekhinah.my
