Kuala Lumpur (9 April, 2017): Universiti Kuala Lumpur Young Guns converted two penalty corner goals to edge SMK Dato Bantara Luar Johor Juniors 2-1 in the TNBMalaysian Junior Hockey League Division One match at the Kuala Lumpur HA Stadium today.
In the only Division One match fixture played today, UniKL UniKL Young Guns capitalised on penalty corner strikes from Muhammad Chairil Daniel Rusli in the 17th and 39th minutes whilst Johor Juniors replied through Muhammad Adib Adam in the 49th minute via field goal.
“It was a match that the boys had to win. Though I am not too happy with their performance today the three points won are important,” said UniKL Young Guns head coach, A. Arul Selvaraj.
“We have not played against the big boys in the league yet so these last three matches are considered crucial in our preparation when we meet them,” said Arul, referring to the four TNB Thunderbolt teams – Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sports School, Bukit Jalil Sports School, Anderson Ipoh and Pahang Sports School.
Thunderbolt players are currently representing the country in the Asian Under-18 Schools championship in India which concludes on April 14.
“They are very good sides and we need to be at our best when we go up against them. We are facing serious tough matches after our match against Olak-Nurinsafi on Friday,” he added.
The Young Guns, who lead the table standings with six points, go up next in the fixture against Olak-Nurinsafi on Friday (14 April) at the Pandamaran Stadium in Klang.
In Division 2, MSSSWP Kuala Lumpur defeated MISCF UFL 3-0 at the KPM Stadium with two penalty corner strikes from Muhammad Zafri Romaizakifli (30th and 33rd minutes) and Zulhafizi Aiman a minute later via open play.
In other Division Two matches played today, SSMS Resilient edged Felda Juniors 6-5, Terengganu Junior Team beat Malay College Kuala Kangsar (MCKK) 4-0, and Malacca High School Young Hurricanes edged SMK Dato Mohd Taha 3-2 in a match that saw Dato Mohd Taha’s midfielder Muhammad Izzuddin Rezuwan receiving the tournament first red card for an off-the-ball infringement.
The match between Tunku Besar Secondary School Tampin and Johor Baru HA at the Seremban 2 Hockey Stadium was postponed.
In the women’s League matches played on Saturday, 2016 runners-up Kuala Lumpur Sports School Wipers thrashed USM Juniors 9-0 and debutant Convent Bukit Nanas Hockey Club defeated MSN Kedah 5-2 in Group A encounters while in Group B, SMK Gunong Rapat downed Za’aba Girls 5-1 and PSHA USM prevailed 2-1 over PKS-Uniten-KPT in penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw in regulation time.
Sabah Sports School Malaysia go top of Group A in the table standings despite sharing six-equal points with CBN.
RESULTS:
Boys Division 1: Universiti Kuala Lumpur Young Guns 2 SMK Dato Bentara Luar Johor Juniors 1.
Division 2 Group B: MSSSWP Kuala Lumpur 3 MISCF UFL 0; Felda Juniors 5 SSMS Resilient 6; Terengganu Junior Team 4 MCKK 0.
Group C: Young Hurricanes 3 SMK Dato Mohd Taha 2; MBMB Warriors 5 SMK Dato Bentara Luar 1.
Women’s Group A: MSN Kedah 2 Convent Bukit Nanas 5; Kuala Lumpur Sports School Wipers 9 USM Juniors 0.
Group B: SMK Gunong Rapat 5 Za’aba Girls 1; PSHA USM 2 Uniten-KPT 2 (USM won 2-1 in shootout).
