SPORTS Schools Bukit Jalil (BJSS) and Bandar Penawar (BPSS) will battle
for the Malaysia Hockey League Overall title on Wednesday after they beat
their opponents in contrasting styles.
BJSS edged Petaling Jaya City Council (PJCC) 3-2 for a 5-3 aggregate
win, while BPSS beat Tenaga Nasional 3-2 for a comfortable 7-3 aggregate
win.
Yesterday, BJSS were let off the hook when PJCC failed to score even
when they were "given" ample opportunities in the second half.
BJSS took a 3-0 lead off Fahmi Faiz (eighth), Dangerous Lee (12th) and
Izad Hakimi (19th), before PJCC came back into the match with goals from
Faiz Sukri (24th) and Aidil Hakimi (44th), but failed to convert the
numerous chances that came their way after that.
At the Bandar Penawar pitch, Tenaga Nasional took a 2-0 lead off Faiz
Adnan (10th) and Sabri Mohamed (17th), but BPSS came back convincingly in
the second half.
Firhan Ashaari (46th), Fitri Saari (48th) and Noor Faeez Ibrahim scored
for BPSS.
"We scored three early goals and after that, a freak accident allowed
PJCC to crawl back into the match. My goalkeeper's hockey stick got stuck
in the net during the penalty corner and PJCC scored.
"My boys lost their composure after that, but still held on to win.
They have fitness and skills, but it looks like I will have to work on
the mental aspect.
"These boys are all under-17, and would become an asset once they know
how to keep their composure," said BJSS coach S. Prakash.
PJCC coach Paul Raj was happy with his team's commitment: "We gave them
a tough fight, and only bowed out because of poor penalty corner
defending.
"Last season, we were knocked out of the quarters, and this year we
advanced further and I see this as progress," said Paul.
RESULTS - S-finals, second leg: Bukit Jalil Sports School 3 Petaling
Jaya City Council 2; (BJSS win on 5-3 aggregate); Bandar Penawar Sports
School 3 Tenaga Nasional 2 (BPSS win on 7-3 aggregate).
FINAL - Wednesday: Bukit Jalil Sports School v Bandar Penawar Sports
School (National Stadium, 5pm).
