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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".
Pic: George Koshy
THE National Under-16 Boys' and Girls' tournament will be played on a 9s format this year, and teams are allowed to register 18 players but only 16 can play in a match.
The tournament will be held at the Kuala Lumpur HA grounds on March 12-20.
Earlier, the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) competitions committee had only allowed 15 players to be registered for the 9s tournament, however, they changed it to 18 yesterday after taking into account that 84 players from 14 states each for the boys and girls teams, will not get a chance to play in the age-group tournament.
"We had sent out entries stating that only 15 can be registered per-team but after discussing with the stake-holders, we have changed the rules to accommodate more players.
"The intention of the tournament is to expose as many players as possible, and not to deny anybody a chance to represent their state," clarified coaching committee chairman George Koshy.
The 9s format will be used for the first time in an under-16 tournament to give more playing time, as well as more goals to make it exciting.
"The 9s format will see more substitution and this will allow as many players as possible to play in a match. Also, it will be more exciting if more goals are scored in a match," said Koshy.
Earlier there was some confusion on selection when only 15 players could be registered as many states started dropping the second goalkeeper.
However, as news reached the states that 18 players can be registered, two goalkeepers were promptly selected per team, saving 28 goalkeepers from both the Boys' and Girls' events the fate of not playing in the Under-16 this season.
