Maybank hold star-studded Andersen

27/04/2002

TENAGA Nasional Bhd (TNB) stretched their unbeaten run to nine matches in
the second round of the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) at the Kuala Lumpur
Hockey Stadium last night when they beat Royal Malay Regiment (RMR) 7-1.
TNB's goals were scored by Nor Saiful Zaini (10th, 67th), Madzli Ikmar
(12th, 33rd), Azlan Misron (20th), Mahinder Singh (25th), Syayrim Uda
Karim (35th). RMR's only goal was scored by Sulaiman Bujang (44th).
While a win from TNB was expected because they were up against easier
opponents, Maybank almost upset a star-studded Andersen Sports Club at the
same venue.
Maybank were easily the better side and they controlled the match from
the first whistle but their first half attempt went to waste as Suhaimi
Ibrahim and skipper Suhairi Saidi fumbled in the semicircle.
Andersen, with Indian imports Len Ayappa and Dhanraj Pillay in their
ranks, could do nothing right and were lucky not to have conceded any
goals in the first half.
Andersen used Dhanraj and former national skipper Mirnawan Nawawi as
their twin strikers but bad understanding and too much of individual play
made them look like a third class outfit.
Maybank started the second half with more determination and it paid off
in the 48th minute when Suhaimi made a solo attempt and beat goalkeeper
Saiful Azli.
Andersen looked like they were heading towards troubled waters but a
minute later, their penalty corner specialist Len Ayappa delivered yeat
again with a stinging flick to pull off an equaliser.
Len has scored 16 goals in the League so far but just as he was feeling
comfortable at the top, local hero S. Kuhan toppeled him.
Kuhan flicked home seven goals yesterday against bottom placed Navy and
his personal goal tally now stands at 19.
Sapura won 13-3 and their goals were scored by S. Kuhan (12th, 15th,
17th, 21st, 26th, 46th, 64th), Nishel Kumar (14th, 61st), Azlin Fairuz
(24th), Sukhbir Singh (31st), Lam Mun Fatt (57th, 62).
Navy's goals were scored by Gagarin Mohamed (6th, 29th) and Mohamed Noor
Said (19th).
Tomorrow: Jolly Lads Sports Club v Bank Simpanan Nasional (Tun Razak
Stadium, 6pm), RAMD v Bumiputra-Commerce Bank (Tun Razak Stadium, 8pm).
Sunday: Bank Simpanan Nasional v Andersen Sports Club (Tun Razak
Stadium, 6pm), Bumiputra-Commerce Bank v Sapura (KL Hockey Stadium, 6pm),
Tenaga Nasional v Jolly Lads Sports Club (KL Hockey Stadium, 8pm), Navy v
Maybank (Tun Razak Stadium, 8pm).
jugjet@nstp.com.my
Results and standings
Sapura 13 Navy 3
Maybank 1 Andersen SC 1
Tenaga 7 RAMD 1
(END)