MBPJ EXPOSE FLAWS

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Defending champions Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS) paid the price for their poor defending when they were held to a 2-2 draw by Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) in a Division One match of the MHF-Milo-NSC Junior Hockey League at the Tun Razak Stadium here yesterday.

The draw has dented BJSS’ title hopes, handing the advantage to Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) and BPSS-Thunderbolt.

BJSS are now second in the nine-team standings with 13 points from five matches. UniKL lead the way with 15 points while BPSS-Thunderbolt have 12 and with a game in hand.

BJSS knew they had to win yesterday’s match as they would be facing their title rivals in the coming weeks.

But, despite taking a two-goal lead in the first half – courtesy of Faridzul Afiq Mohamed’s brace in the 10th and 31st minutes – they blew up after the break.

A mistake just a minute after the break saw MBPJ earn a penalty stroke, which was converted by Mohd Ismat Imadi.

MBPJ’s fightback paid off when Mohd Izat Hakimi scored the equaliser, off a penalty corner, in the 66th minute.

Earlier, Sabah’s unbeaten run in Division Two came to end in Ipoh yesterday when they lost 1-3 to Ipoh City Council at the Sultan Azlan Shah Stadium.

Ipoh CC now lead the lower division with 14 points after six matches. There are two more games to go before the preliminary round ends.

Sabah, with nine points from four matches, are still in the title hunt as they have four matches left.

Ipoh CC went 2-0 up in the first half through Mohd Harris Fadila (14th minute) and Mohd Saifuddin (31st).

Sabah pulled a goal back in the 63rd minute through Herik Ahmad Syam but Ipoh CC sealed victory four minutes later through Mohd Azrul Fazrin’s goal.

At the Kuantan Hockey Stadium, MSS Pahang edged Penang Free School (PFS) 5-4 to remain unbeaten after four matches.

The win moves the Pahang team into second place with 12 points.

Mohd Fahmi Abdullah scored a hat-trick in the 25th, 27th and 40th minutes while Mohd Hafiz Zainol and Zulhannan Mazlan chipped in with a goal each in the 58th and 61st minutes respectively.

PFS’ scorers were Mohd Hafify Mohd Rodzi (4th and 69th), Mohd Ammar Adly Abd Rahman (37th) and Muhd Uzair Ahmad Sabri (49th).

In the final Division Two match of the day, MSN Johor and Matri drew 1-1 to share the points.

BJSS HELD

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DOUBLE champions Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS) were held 2-2 by Petaling Jaya City Council (PJCC) in Division One of the MHF-Milo-NSC Junior Hockey League at the Tun Razak Stadium yesterday..

BJSS' title hopes virtually ended with the draw, and if they play like they did against PJCC, will be in big trouble when they square off against title contenders UniKL tomorrow at the same venue.

BJSS struggled to find their footing in the first half and were in the receiving end most of the time, but capitalised on their counter-attacks to score both the goals.

PJCC had eight penalty corners but could not tuck the ball in as their set- pieces were too complicated.

BJSS took the lead off Faridzul Afiq in the eight minute and Faridzul increased the lead in the 31st minute off a freak goal.

He took a tame shot at goal from the fringes of the semi-circle, and PJCC goalkeeper Ahmad Syahir opened his legs to let the ball in because he felt the shot was taken from outside the scoring circle.

The umpire awarded a goal, but a minute before the half-time hooter PJCC won a penalty stroke and Ismat Imadi tucked in to narrow the score.

The second half also saw PJCC dominating attack and winning penalty corners, and Izat Hakimi deflected in a penalty corner attempt in the 65th minute to draw level and salvage a point.

In Division Two, Ipoh City Council burst Sabah’s bubble with a 3-1 win after Harris Fadila (14th), Mohamed Saifuddin (31st) and Azrul Fazrin (67th) were on target.

The Sabah goal was scored by Herik Ahmad in the 63rd minute.

Also in Division Two, Pahang had a close call before they edged Penang Free School 5-4 to strengthen their title quest.

Fahmi Abdullah delivered a hat-trick for Pahang in the 25th, 27th and 40th minutes while the other goals were scored by Hafiz Zainol in the 58th and Zulhannan Mazlan in the 61st.

The Penang goals were scored by Hafify Rodzi (fourth, 68th), Ammar Adly (37th) and Uzair Ahmad (49th).

RESULTS:

Division One
Petaling Jaya City Council 2 Bukit Jalil Sports School 2.
Division Two
Pahang 5 Penang Frees 4; Johor 1 Matri 1; Ipoh City Council 3 Sabah 1.

FIXTURES

TOMORROW:

Division One
Bukit Jalil Sports School v UniKL (Tun Razak Stadium, 5pm); Kelantan v PJCC (Kuala Terengganu, 5pm); Anderson vs BPSS Juniors (Azlan Shah Stadium, 5pm).

Division Two
Datuk Taha v Ipoh City Council (Tampin 5pm); Kuala Selangor v Pahang (Pandamaran, 3pm); Sabah v Tunku Besar Secondary School (Pandamaran, 5pm); Johor v Penang Frees (Johor Baru, 5pm)

RESULTS-APRIL 30

RESULTS

Friday, 30 April 2010

Division One

MBPJ 2
36th minute - Mohd Ismat Imadi Mohd - PS
65h minute - Harmeet Singh - PC

BJSS 2
8th minute - Faridzul Afiq Mohamad - FG
31st minute - Faridzyl Afiq Mohamad - FG

Division Two

MSSP-MPK 5
25th minute - Mohd Fahmi Abdullah - PC
27th minute - Mohd Fahmi Abdullah - PC
40th minute - Mohd Fahmi Abdullah - PV
58th minute - Muhd Hafiz Zainol - FG
61st minute - Zulhannan Mazlan - FG

PFS-USM 4
4th minute - Mohd Hafify Mohd Rodzi - FG
37th minute - Mohd Ammar Adly Abd Rahman - PC
49th minute - Muhd Uzair Ahmad Sabri - FG
68th minute - Mohd Hafify Mohd Rodzi - FG


MSN Johor 1
60th minute - Muhd Ain Abdul Rahman - PC

Matri 1
4th minute - Muhd Mu'az Abd Kadir - FG


MBI-MSN 3
14th minute - Mohd Harris Fadila - FG
31st minute - Mohd Saifuddin - FG
67th minute - Mohd Azrul Fazrin - PC

MSN Sabah 1
63rd minute - Herik Bin Ahmad Syam - PC

ACID TEST FOR BJSS

KUALA LUMPUR: It will be a crucial weekend for double champions Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS) in Division One of the MHF-Milo-NSC Junior Hockey League (MJHL).

BJSS have two tough matches – against former champions Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) today and against title favourites and leaders UniKL on Sunday. Both matches will be played at the Tun Razak Stadium.

BJSS have maximum points from four matches in the nine-team competition. UniKL also have maximum points but they have played five matches.

“Anything less than a win in the two matches could affect their hopes to of retaining the league title,” said BJSS coach S. Prakash.

He added that he was concerned over the scoring ability of forward Dangerous Lee, who is a member of the Project 2013 squad.

“Last year, he scored 13 goals for us in the league but this year he has only managed to score one in four matches.” Prakash conceded that they would face their toughest test against UniKL.

“UniKL are overall a solid team with the services of 10 Project 2013 players and we will start as the underdogs,” he said.

Meanwhile, the match between BJSS Juniors and Bandar Penawar Sports School (BPSS)-Thunderbolt at the Kuala Lumpur Hockey Stadium on Friday has been postponed because of upgrading works at the stadium. The match will be played at the same venue on May 21.

DO OR DIE FOR BJSS

TWO title contenders clash this weekend with the victors earning a clearer path to the Division One title in the MHF-Milo-NSC Junior Hockey League.

Leaders UniKL and defending champions Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS) will square off on Sunday and one team's title dream will vaporise. But if the match ends in a draw, the advantage will move to Bandar Penawar Sports School Thunderbolt.

BJSS coach S. Prakash said this will be do-or-die weekend.

"First we must beat PJCC (Petaling Jaya City Council) tomorrow (today) and I don't think it will be an easy match as they have picked up momentum after their first three defeats," said Prakash.

"We will have to take control from the start as PJCC will also be looking for points to play in the quarter-finals. "And if we beat PJCC, then UniKL will be the big test as our title will be on the line."

BPSS-Thunderbolt also have one match this weekend against BJSS Juniors which they should win to prepare themselves for the clash against UniKL the following weekend.

In Division Two, the title race is turning into a lottery involving Ipoh City Council, Sabah and Pahang.

All three are unbeaten, with Ipoh CC and Sabah clashing first today with the Ipoh side enjoying home ground advantage. Sabah are the surprise item, and it looks like their recent outing in the Razak Cup has boosted team spirit.

TODAY -- Division One: Petaling Jaya City Council v Bukit Jalil Sports School (Tun Razak Stadium, 9pm).

Division Two: Pahang v Penang Frees (Kuantan Stadium, 5pm); Johor v Matri (Johor Baru, 5pm); Ipoh City Council v Sabah (Azlan Shah Stadium, 5pm).

UniKL,SSBJ JANJI SAINGAN SENGIT

Pertemuan UniKL, SSBJ janji saingan sengit hoki remaja

KUALA LUMPUR - Saingan hujung minggu ini akan menjadi penentu buat dua pencabar gelaran juara Divisyen Satu Liga Hoki Remaja MHF-Milo-NSC.

Pendahulu liga, Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) dan penyandang juara, Sekolah Sukan Bukit Jalil (SSBJ) akan bertemu sesama sendiri, Ahad ini.

Pertembungan tersebut seakan menjadi penentu kepada kedua-dua pasukan untuk memiliki kelebihan awal untuk menjuarai kejohanan hoki remaja.

Jika pertemuan itu sekadar berakhir dengan keputusan seri, ia akan menghancurkan harapan kedua-duanya untuk meraih kejuaraan kerana kelebihan pastinya akan berpihak kepada Sekolah Sukan Bandar Penawar, SSBP-Thunderbolt.

UniKL dan SSBJ pastinya akan memberi aksi terbaik pada hujung minggu ini, selain masing-masing berusaha mencatat kemenangan.

UniKL masih mempunyai baki satu perlawanan untuk diteruskan dan pasukan itu juga ketika ini bermain lebih satu perlawanan berbanding SSBJ.

Pasukan tersebut merupakan pendahulu liga dengan mengumpul 15 mata daripada lima perlawanan.

Sementara itu, dua sekolah sukan, SSBJ dan SSBP-Thunderbolt masing-masing mengumpul 12 mata daripada empat perlawanan.

Tiga pasukan teratas di Divisyen Satu tersebut berada dalam keadaan selesa untuk mengesahkan tempat ke suku akhir kejohanan.

Hanya dengan satu lagi kemenangan pada hujung minggu ini, ia pasti akan meletakkan pasukan tersebut dalam kelompok lapan pasukan terakhir.

Jurulatih SSBJ, S. Prakash berkata, saingan hujung minggu ini adalah sangat penting dan kemenangan adalah perkara utama.

"Kami (SSBJ) juga akan berhadapan satu lagi perlawanan penting iaitu menentang MBPJ, esok (hari ini).

"Mereka (MBPJ) pastinya mahu melakukan kebangkitan setelah tumpas dalam tiga perlawanan terdahulu.

"Oleh itu, saya tidak hanya ingin memastikan pasukan ini mampu mengekalkan tahap permainan baik, tetapi melakukan satu langkah ke hadapan pada pertemuan ini.

"MBPJ akan menjadi ujian besar kepada kami bagi mengekalkan rentak kemenangan dan terus mengumpul mata untuk berada dalam kelompok lima pasukan terbaik.

"Jika kami berjaya melepasi MBPJ dengan baik, UniKL adalah ujian getir yang seterusnya bagi merangkul kejuaraan," kata Prakash.

WEEKEND PREVIEW

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.