Favourites BJSS continue march

BSS Jr’s Muhammad Aidil Zainal (front) is hassled by Setapak High’s Mohd Hakimi Zulkifli in their Malaysia Hockey League match at the Kuala Lumpur Hockey Stadium on Friday. Setapak won 3-1. — Pic: MOHD YUSNI ARIFFIN

BUKIT Jalil Sports School (BJSS) have re-claimed the favourites tag after beating Tenaga Nasional, but they still have at least four more hurdles to overcome before it is smooth sailing for them in Division Two of the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL).

For starters, BJSS have Anderson School of Ipoh to contend with today.
"I am glad that my team showed some mettle in the win against Tenaga, but we still have many more matches to play in the MHL.
"It was a bruising encounter (against Tenaga) and after a day's rest, the boys will need to return to form against Anderson, who I believe will be looking to erase the defeat against Olak," said BJSS coach S. Prakash.
Old La Sallians Association of Klang (Olak) found it difficult to subdue a fighting Anderson, and lost three players to injury, before beating Anderson 2-1 on Friday.
"Anderson this year are very robust, and three of my players had to be taken out and received stitches on their faces.
"I believe Anderson will be difficult to beat after this, and should trouble BJSS tomorrow (today)," said Olak team manager Joseph de Silva.
Setapak High School, whose only poor result thus far is the 0-0 draw against Kijang Mas of Kelantan, Bandar Penawar Sports School, and Olak are among the other teams BJSS need to tame before they can start dreaming of standing at the top of the podium again.
BJSS, double champions last year, have a collection of 10 titles under their belt -- six League and four Overall -- and are looking for more silverware even though they have fielded Under-17 boys in the Under-19 MHL.
TODAY -- Division One: Bukit Jalil Sports School v Anderson (Tun Razak Stadium, 5pm), Kijang Mas v Petaling Jaya CC (Kuala Terengganu, 5pm), Malacca v Bukit Jalil Sports School Juniors (Malacca, 5pm), Bandar Penawar SS v Batu Pahat (Bandar Penawar, 5pm).
Division Three: Nur Insafi v TBSS-Tampin (Sungai Petani, 5pm), Penang v Perlis (USM, 5pm), Datuk Taha v Temerloh (Tampin, 5pm), Selangor v English College (Pandamaran , 3pm), Kuala Selangor v Matri (Pandamaran, 5pm).