SOJC: Young Tigers Fall To Great Britain, Out Of Podium Contention

JOHOR BAHRU, Oct 23 (Bernama) -- The Young Tigers’ mission to secure a podium finish was shattered after a 2-1 defeat to Great Britain in their fourth match of the Sultan of Johor Cup (SOJC) International Hockey Tournament at the Johor Hockey Stadium in Taman Daya here, today.

The Malaysian junior men’s team suffered their fourth consecutive loss in the tournament, leaving them to end in the championship in either the fifth or sixth place.

Earlier in the match, Great Britain opened the scoring in the 15th minute through a penalty stroke successfully converted by Kaden Draysey.

In the second quarter, the Young Tigers fought back, equalising with a field goal by Che Nur Aqilrullah in the 17th minute.

I Vikneswaran’s squad came close to adding another goal through a penalty corner in the 27th minute, but Mohd Nabil’s effort went wide.

The third quarter saw both teams exchanging attacks, but neither could find the back of the net.

However, Jon Bleby’s Great Britain side broke the deadlock in the fourth quarter when Monty Neave scored a field goal in the 53rd minute, sealing a 2-1 victory.

Earlier today, India, who had been unbeaten and topped the standings, suffered a 0-4 defeat to Australia, while New Zealand beat Japan 3-1.

The Young Tigers, who sit at the bottom of the standings without any points, are set to face Australia on Friday, while Japan will take on Great Britain, and New Zealand will meet India.

The national junior men’s team is competing with five other nations in the 12th edition of the championship, which concludes this Saturday (Oct 26).

-- BERNAMA