Bandar Penawar stamp their class

BANDAR Penawar Sports School (BPSS) stamped their class when they beat Tenaga Nasional 4-1 in the first leg semi-finals of the Malaysia Hockey League at the Kuala Lumpur HA Stadium yesterday.
And at the National Hockey Stadium, Bukit Jalil Sports School edged Petaling Jaya City Council 2-1, and the return leg is expected to be a cracker.
Ahmad Kafeel gave PJCC a ninth minute lead, but BJSS equalised off Faridzul Afiq two minutes later.
The match was heading for a draw, but a 62nd minute penalty corner attempt by Izat Hakimi gave the League champions a slim cushion.
BPSS were meticulous when chances came their way, while Tenaga muffed many sitters and will find the going uphill in the return leg.
The Bandar Penawar hero was Nor Faeez Ibrahim, who converted all three penalty corners that came their way in the 19th, 43rd and 46th minutes. Hafiz Nawi made it 4-0, before Aminuddin Abu slammed home Tenaga’s only goal in the 70th minute.
“We had a good run today (yesterday), and will be looking to increase our lead in the return leg. Even though we have a three-goal cushion, Tenaga cannot be taken lightly,” said BPSS coach Wan Roslan Wan Rahman.
And BPSS will use the return leg, to charge-up for the final.
“We have not lost, or even drawn a match at our own backyard this season, and will be playing to keep the record. It will be a good tune-up for the final,” said Wan Roslan.
Tenaga Nasional coach Nor Azlan Bakar rued the missed chances.
“We had more chances than Bandar Penawar, but my forwards bungled while the opponents did not miss. They only had three penalty corners and converted all, and after that, it became increasingly difficult for us to catch up.
“In the return leg, we will be looking to keep the score respectable,” said Nor Azlan.
RESULTS -- Semi-finals, first leg: Tenaga Nasional 1 Bandar Penawar Sports School 4; Bukit Jalil Sports School 2 Petaling Jaya City Council 1.
SUNDAY -- Semi-finals, second leg: Bandar Penawar Sports School v Tenaga Nasional (Bandar Penawar, 5pm); Petaling Jaya City Council v Bukit Jalil Sports School (Na tional Stadium, 5pm).