KUALA Lumpur Hockey Club (KLHC) kept their bragging rights intact, while Terengganu Hockey Team (THT) are silently plotting for a Round Two comeback in the Premier Division of the Malaysia Hockey League.
The star-studded THT, with five Koreans on their side and a host of national players, went down 1-2 to four-time consecutive double champions KLHC, but have not given up hope of winning their first League title.
"Plenty of mistakes, and bungling a handful of sitters cost us the game, but the tournament still has six more matches to go, and we aim to keep a clean slate until we meet KLHC again in Round Two.
"The initial goal of winning our first League title is still in sight," said THT coach Sarjit Singh.
Terenggnau has pumped millions into the team, and Menteri Besar datuk Ahmad Razif was present to watch Sarjit and his men at the national stadium on Sunday.
After three convincing wins, THT were supposed to stream-roll KLHC, but their penalty corner battery was stopped by good runs.
"Congratulations to KLHC as they were the better team, but we aim to be the best at the end of the day," said Sarjit.
KLHC captain Razie Rahim, who nailed thw winner, lauded his teammates for playing their hearts out for the victory.
“It is an important victory for us because we were able to prove that we can still compete with THT despite them spending a huge sum of money on new players. For us, it was a team effort which made the difference."
KLHC and THT are tied on nine points, but the champions have one match in hand and will play Sapura tomorrow as their weekend match was washed away by rain.
"I have many things on my mind right now regarding the THT match, but i will keep it to myself and let my players do the talking on the pitch. Yes, we have a crucial week with three matches lined up, but that's the kind of challenge we thrive upon," said KLHC coach K. Dharmaraj.
WEDNESDAY: KLHC v Sapura (6pm, Pitch II).
STANDINGS
P W D L F A Pts
TERENGGANU 4 3 0 1 14 6 9
KLHC 3 3 0 0 11 5 9
TENAGA 4 2 0 2 8 7 6
SAPURA 3 1 1 1 4 4 4
MAYBANK 4 0 2 2 7 11 2
UNIKL 4 0 1 3 2 13 1
