Anderson champs again

23/12/2002

SMK Anderson of Perak romped home to their eighth Champions Schools title when they steamrolled SMK Padang Midin of Terengganu 5-1 at the Pandamaran Hockey Stadium in Klang yesterday.
In the third placing match, SMK St David High of Malacca beat SMK Datuk Abdul Kadir of Penang 2-1.
Perak's win yesterday, which was their third straight in the Champions
Schools, was sealed in the first five minutes of the match itself, even
before Padang Midin players could break sweat.
Hanif Hamzah, receiving a through pass from Azli Misron, sounded the
board in the third minute by pushing between the pads of Terengganu
goalkeeper Nurul Fakri.
And right after re-start Perak won a penalty corner and Azli made it 2-0
with ease - again the ball went between the pads of Nurul, who is a
national trainee.
Terengganu rose to the occassion in the seventh minute when Mohamed
Shahrun fired home a penalty corner goal to narrow the gap and the match looked like it was going to be a sizzler.
But Perak nipped the fightback in the 10th minute with a field goal from
Mohamed Herwan and consolidated their position in the 22nd minute when Azli, the younger brother of national player Azlan Misron, scored his second off a penalty corner set-piece.
All four goals were soft ones, but the off-form Terengganu goalkeeper
Nurul failed to keep his pads shut.
In the second half, Anderson took it easy but still managed to increase
the lead in the 69th minute when Mohamed Noor Khairul sounded the board.
Terengganu replaced Nurul with their second goalkeeper Zulfadli Rashid
in the second half and he played a big role in keeping the score down.
In the placing match, Malacca had to bring out their best to beat a
robust Penang side. Penang drew first blood with an eighth minute K.
Harusan field goal but in the second half, Penang lost their cool and
Malacca won the match with goals from Mohamed Amir (41st) and Nor Hamezi Omar (61st).
Perak coach Mokhtar Baharuddin said he had briefed his strikers on
Nurul's weaknesses and that is the main reason they managed to score with ease.
"I watched the goalkeeper (Nurul) over the last few matches and knew his
weaknesses, that is why we managed to score two quick goals in the third
and fourth minutes," said Mokhtar.
The good news for Anderson is that the same team will be eligible to
play in the next Champions Schools.
"The last goal was scored by a Form Two boy (Mohamed Noor) and the rest of the players will be eligible when we attempt to defend out title next
year," said Mokhtar.
But the bad news for Anderson is that they do not have enough money,
yet, to field this young side in the Junior Hockey League next year.
"We are a very poor school and do not have enough money to take part in
the Junior League yet. But I will try and source for funds in the next few
months," said Mokhtar.
This is the time for the Old Boys of Anderson to show their gratitude to
the school.
Results - Final: SMK Anderson (Pk) 5 SMK Padang Midin (Ter) 1; 3rd-4th: SMK St David High (Mal) 2 SMK Datuk Abdul Kadir (Pg) 1.
(END)