Thunderbolts strike as Johor Juniors tame Tigers

JOHOR Juniors’ 3-2 win over Petaling Jaya City Council (PJCC) Tigers on Sunday ended the latter’s unbeaten run and also opened up the race for the Junior Hockey League Division One title.

The mammoth effort also benefited defending champions Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sports School (SSTMI) Thunderbolts who moved to the top of the standings after an emphatic 10-0 mauling of Universiti Kuala Lumpur Young Guns.

PJCC Tigers took the lead in the seventh minute off Syabil Aizam’s field goal but Johor Juniors levelled five minutes later from Shafiq Hassan’s penalty corner.

The Johor side went 2-1 up in the 43rd minute with a field strike from Alfarico Lance Liau.

Syafiq Izzudin then made it 2-2 in the 47th minute from a penalty corner but Faris Ros Fadillah ensured three points for Johor Juniors through a field goal in the 53rd minute.

SSTMI Thunderbolts now have 16 points after seven matches followed by BJSS Thunderbolt on 15 while PJCC Tigers dropped to third (also on 15 points but less goals scored).

However, PJCC have only played six matches.

SSTMI Thunderbolts team manager Adam Izamry said the order of the day was to go for goals. “We want to retain the league title, and the instruction was to win by big margins starting with UniKL and I’m happy the team have found their momentum.

“The first three matches were hard because seven of our players were involved in the Asian School Under-18 Championship in India.

“But our next match is on Friday against Olak-Nurinsafi and this will give us much needed rest.”