USM LIONS REGAIN THEIR BITE
They down Eagles to win Sultan Azlan Shah Trophy
UNIVERSITI Sains Malaysia (USM) Lions are roaring again after a three-year silence.
They won the Sultan Azlan Shah Trophy recently after defeating Perak’s QUIP Eagles ‘A’ 10 in the 44th Pesta Hockey Penang.
The last time USM Lions emerged champions in the tournament was in 2014.
The only goal came from national youth striker Mohd Hafizuddin Zaid who was ably assisted by his national teammates including skipper Iswan Azwar, Sulaiman Razak and Rozdini Zahron at the Universiti Sains Malaysia Synthetic Turf Stadium.
After a 1-0 losing to Universiti Putra Malaysia `B' in the men’s Institution of Higher Learning category, USM Lions were determined to make amends in the men’s Premier League event, and they did that.
Meanwhile, after many years of trying to win the men’s Veteran Challenge Trophy, Penang Sports Club (PSC) finally prevailed this time.
In the final against the Selangor outfit TPCA, both teams were deadlocked 1-1 draw after extra time.
Two minutes into sudden death play, former national striker Harcharanjit Singh Hill sounded the board for PSC.
More than 300 teams, including challengers from Indonesia, Thailand, Taiwan, India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan, participated in the various categories, including boys’ and girls’ Under-12, Under-15 and Under-18, men’s and women’s Institutions of Higher Learning, men’s Premier, Classic and Veterans, and women’s Open Classic. Roll of honour:
Men’s Institution of Higher Learning - Most Outstanding Player: Nik Mohammad Aiman (UPM `B’) Best Goalkeeper: Muhammad Amirudin (UPM `B’) Top Scorer: Muhammad Hafiz Seleman (UPM `A‘) Premier League Open - Man of the Match: Mohd Hafizhuddin
Zaidi (USM Lions) Best Goalkeeper: Taib Mat Hussein (Quip Eagles `A’) Classic Open - Most Outstanding Player: Muhammad Izwan (KJLJD) Top Scorer: Ikhram Sulaiman (MBMB) Veterans Top Scorer: Harcharanjit Singh Hill (PSC) Women's Institution of Higher Learning - Most Outstanding Player: Norazlin Sumatri (UPM `B') Best Goalkeeper: Mashuzaimah Md Aziz (UPM `A') Top Scorer: Liyana Aqilah Mohd Sepawi (UPM `A') Classic Open - Most Outstanding Player: Noraslinda Said (UPM `B') Top Scorer: Noraslinda Said (UPM `B')