Leaders THT Stamp Their Class By Crushing TNB Thunderbolts 6-1

KUALA TERENGGANU, Jan 12 (Bernama) -- The Terengganu Hockey Team (THT) strengthened their position in the Malaysian Hockey League (MHL) after thrashing TNB Thunderbolts 6-1 at the Batu Buruk Hockey Stadium, here this afternoon.

The victory over the national youth squad allowed THT, who were also winners of the Charity Shield (Piala Sumbangsih) this season, saw the East Coast side collect a maximum of 12 points from four consecutive match victories, thus maintaining their position at the top of the league.

The Turtles, who started as the hosts, started in fiery form with a try by youngster, Andywalfian Jefferynus in the 13th minute which went over the crossbar followed by a penalty corner shot that was parried by goalkeeper, Noriqmal Danish Norhashimi in the 16th minute.

However, in the 17th minute, THT coached by Mohd Harfizi Baharom managed to break the deadlock through experienced player, Faizal Saari who completed a penalty corner shot before national striker, Akhimullah Anuar Esook doubled the advantage for the hosts two minutes later.

Trailing 0-2, the TNB Thunderbolts remained undeterred and rose to the challenge in search of goals and the continuous efforts of M Kaliswaran's boys finally paid off when Muhammad Fahmi Khalid managed to close the gap to 1-2 after completing a penalty corner shot in the 35th minute.

However, the visitors' joy did not last long when THT added a third through Mohd Syarman Mat Tee's field goal in the 41st minute, followed by another goal by Faizal two minutes later.

The THT squad who led 4-1 continued to add to the visitors' misery when Muhammad Amirul Haniff Mamat scored the fifth in the 52nd minute through a field goal.

Eight minutes before the final whistle, Muhammad Akhimullah scored THT's sixth goal which was also his second of the match to ensure the Turtles walk away with a 6-1 over TNB Thunderbolts.

-- BERNAMA