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RESULTS -- Semi-finals, second leg: BJSS Thunderbolts 3 Anderson Thunderbolts 4.
(BJSS win on 8-7 aggregate)
SSTMI Thunderbolts 3 SSP-MSP-Thunderbolts 2.
(SSTMI win on 5-2 aggregate).
DIVISION Two outfit Anderson Thunderbolts almost created an upset when they beat BJSS Thunderbolts 4-3 in the second leg semi-finals of the TNB Cup, but lost out on aggregate.
BJSS, who beat the Ipoh school 5-3 in the first leg, advanced to the final on 8-7 aggregate.
They will play SSTMI Thunderbolts for the TNB Cup Sunday, and for the record, SSTMI will be going for their fifth consecutive double while BJSS last won the title in 2009.
SSTMI were also taken to the wire when SSP-MSP Thunderolts gave them little room, and could only edge the Temerloh school 3-2, to advance on 5-2 aggregate.
Hafiizhuddin Zaidi saved the day for BJSS by scoring two crucial goals (20th, 38th) to take his total to 19 field goals in the Junior Hockey League.
Anderson were 0-3 down by the 38th minute, when Rahimi Rosley was on target in the 37th minute, but Anderson put up a gallant fight to win 4-3 after a rain-delay break.
The Anderson goals were scored by Azrai Aizad (46th), Azrul Hariez (52nd) and Fuad Zaquan (68th, 69th).
BJSS coach Lokman Yahaya paid tribute to Anderson's fighting spirit.
"We had the game in our hand for a comfortable win but Anderson put up a great fight to win the game. We were lucky to have a two-goal cushion from the first leg," said Lokman.
And for the final: "We need to be sharper during penalty corners as we won seven against Anderson but only scored one. However, it is a great feeling to be back in the final of the TNB Cup after such a long absence."
SUNDAY: TNB CUP Final: SSTMI v BJSS (8.30pm); Third-Fourth: Anderson v SSP-MSP (5.45pm).
Note: Both matches at Pitch II of the National Hockey Stadium.
SSTMI Thunderbolts Akhimullah Anuar Essok (centre) in action against SSP-MSP-Thunderbolts during the TNBMJHL Cup 2016 first-leg semi-final match which was played at the National Hockey Stadium, in Bukti Jalil on Wednesday. SSTMI won 2-0.
SSTMI Thunderbolts will take a step closer towards their fifth consecutive Junior Hockey League double when they play SSP-MSP Thunderbolts in the second leg semi-finals of the TNB Cup Friday.
SSTMI, who already have claimed their sixth League title this season, take a two-goal advantage after winning 2-0 in the first leg.
In the other semi-finals, BJSS Thunderbolts also hold a two-goal advantage over Anderson Thunderbolts whom they beat 5-3 in the first leg.
SSTMI coach Wan Roslan Wan Rahman said the focus will be on his own team, and not their opponent's flaws.
"I cannot say for sure what Pahang has planned, but they will definitely try to overturn the deficit with more aggressive play. All I can do is to make sure my team is well prepared.
"We must be more clinical in the second leg, and cannot waste any scoring chances like we did many times in the first leg," said Wan Roslan.
BJSS will be relying on their ace striker Hafiizhuddin Zaidi who is the tournament top-scorer with 17 field goals to his name.
Their nemesis in Anderson is Azrai Aizad, who has scored a total of 15 goals, 12 field and three off penalty corners.
BJSS coach Lokman Yahaya is not happy with his team's lack of focus in the early stages which saw them go 2-0 down in 11 minutes, and will likely be aiming to play a tighter defence when they meet Anderson again today.
"We now know what works and what does not against Anderson, and will be making adjustments for the second leg. After coming this far, we aim to reach the final," said Lokman. Meanwhile, the national seniors ended their four test series with New Zealand on a 0-0 draw in Tauranga Thursday. Malaysia lost two Tests (4-1 and 4-2), won one (3-2) and drew one.
The team will now move to Auckland to play two Test matches against South Korea.
FRIDAY -- Semi-finals, second leg: BJSS Thunderbolts (5) v Anderson Thunderbolts (3) (National Stadium Pitch II, 5pm), SSTMI Thunderbolts (2) v SSP-MSP-Thunderbolts (0) (National Stadium Pitch II, 7pm).
Note: First leg scores in parenthesis.
Hockey New Zealand News/
Photo: Planet Hockey
THE Black Sticks battled out a goalless draw with Malaysia in the fourth and final test at Blake Park in Tauranga.
Both sides played a strong defensive game which allowed very few opportunities in the attacking circle.
The result sees the Black Sticks take out the four Test series with two wins (4-1 and 4-2), one loss (2-3) and a draw (0-0).
Head coach Colin Batch said it was a frustrating game on attack but the way his side defended was pleasing.
“It was pretty tough to find a goal out there tonight, we only got one penalty corner all game so that was a bit disappointing,” Batch said.
“It was pleasing we created some chances towards the end and it would’ve been nice to get a late winner and finish with another win but it wasn’t to be.
“This was the type of game we need to get better at – when we’re defending well and not creating much we have to find ways to do more on attack and find space.”
The first half which was highlighted by several crucial saves from New Zealand goalkeeper Kyle Pontifex.
Malaysia created the best chance of the half in the second quarter after earning a penalty corner, with Pontifex making a super save diving low to his right.
The Black Sticks earned a lone penalty corner in the third period thanks to some impressive lead up play from Simon Child, but Nic Woods’ drag flick was well defended.
The Black Sticks now head north to prepare for four Tests against South Korea from 16-20 March at Lloyd Elsmore Hockey Stadium.
LEAGUE champions SSTMI Thunderbolts edged SSP-MSP Thunderbolts 2-0 in the first leg semi-finals of the TNB Cup at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil yesterday.
And at the Azlan Shah Stadium, BJSS Thunderbolts came back from being two goals down to beat Anderson Thunderbolts 5-3.
The return leg will be on Friday, and both the semi-finals are still open affairs.
For STMI, the goals were scored by Akhimullah Anuar (48th) and Aliff Syazwan (51st).
"We were guilty of missing too many sitters and I believe SSP-MSP will make a strong comeback in the return leg. However, I believe my players are game for their fifth consecutive JHL double," said SSTMI coach Wan Roslan Rahman.
As for BJSS, coach K. Rajan attributed the win to a strong personality.
"We were guilty of missing too many chances in the frist haf, but my players kept calm and rose to the occassion in the second half. We need to play consistently in both halves of the return leg to make sure our final ticket," said Rajan.
RESULTS -- TNB CUP Semi-finals, first leg: Anderson Thunderbolts 3 BJSS Thunderbolts 5, SSTMI Thunderbolts 2 SSP-MSP Thunderbolts 0.
FRIDAY -- TNB CUP Semi-finals, second leg: BJSS Thunderbolts v Anderson Thunderbolts (National Stadium Pitch II, 5pm), SSP-MSSP Thunderbolts v SSTMI Thunderbolts (National Stadium Pitch II, 7pm).
Malaysia lost their Third Test 4-2 to New Zealand in Tauranga Wednesday.
The national players were beaten 4-2 in the First Test, but won the Second Test 3-2. They will play their final match against the Kiwis Thursday before heading for to Auckland to play two Test matches against South Korea.
Fitri Saari and Rashid Baharom were on target for Malaysia.
Malaysian Hockey Confederation technical director Terry Walsh watched the match and said the scoreline did not reflect the game.
"NZ dominated the first quarter and scored a goal after two minutes. We made many careless errors and were nervy in our disposition. It was a positive decision by the coaches to switch strategies.
"This allowed Malaysia control in the second half of the match. The players had a better mentality and approach in the last two quarters, which is one of the positives to take away from the match", said Walsh.
"The goal is to keep developing. We believe this defeat provides many lessons and look forward to the last Test match with great enthusiasm. The matches have been of great quality, which is extremely good for player and team development".
