KUALA LUMPUR: This weekend will be a defining moment for two of the title challengers in Division One of the MHF-Milo-NSC Junior Hockey League.
League leaders Universiti Kuala Lumpur and defending champions Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS) will meet each other on Sunday and it could mean the end of the title dream for one of the two teams.
But then again both teams could suffer a blow to their title hopes and hand over the advantage to BPSS-Thunderbolt if they draw the match.
Thus both teams have a lot at stake this weekend and will have to keep up their performance level at a high note.
UniKL have just one match to play and currently have played a game more than BJSS. They lead with 15 points after five matches while the two sports schools have 12 points from four matches.
These three teams are also safe bets for a quarter-final berth and one more win over the weekend will ensure that last eight place.
BJSS coach S. Prakash said that this would be a win or bust situation for them over the weekend.
“We also have MBPJ to play on Friday and they have picked up steam since their first three defeats.
“It is not a matter of ensuring that we keep our improvement level and take step at a time. MBPJ will be a big test as they looking for points to stay in the top five.
“And if we get through it than Unikl will be the big test as our title will be on the line in a win of lose match."
BPSS-Thunderbolt also has one match this weekend when they play BJSS Juniors. They should win the match and that will set them up for the match with Unikl the following weekend.
Unikl coach I. Vickneswaren said that for them the next two matches would decide their title run.
“It all comes down to the next two matches with BJSS and BPSS-Thunderbolt. We win and the title is ours to lose. The match is against BPSS Juniors.
“We have had a good rest and will be ready or the encounter with BJSS. The school team has gone through this kind of a pressure situation before and will know what to expect.
“But we have some very experienced players as well and I am hoping they will provide the vital support for the young players. I expect a good match and it is likely to be close,” he added.
In Division Two the title race has slowly turned into a two-way battle between Ipoh City Council and MSN Sabah.
Both teams are unbeaten and their clash on Friday could prove decisive for the title. The match will be played in Ipoh and the city council team will have home ground support.
Debutants Sabah has surprised many but their recent outing in the Razak Cup competition have earned them valuable experience.
Thus the Division Two title run will become a lot clearer after this weekend’s matches.
