RAIN SPOILS FINAL PARTY

Liaoning HC and Terengganu Ladies crowned joint-champions without playing

MANY were expecting an explosive Vivian May Soars Trophy final yesterday but the heavy rain spoiled the fun for finalists Liaoning HC and Terengganu at the Tun Razak Stadium in Kuala Lumpur.

And as a result, they were declared joint-champions.

The heavy downpour began before the 5.30pm start time, and with no signs of stopping, the organisers were forced to call it off as the floodlights at the venue did not meet specifications for night matches.

Liaoning and Terengganu Ladies both shared the first prize of RM25,000 and the second prize of RM15,000. Each pocketed RM20,000.

Liaoning manager Eric Zacharias was disappointed, but had no complaints about the Women’s Malaysia Hockey League (WMHL).

“My charges were psyched up and ready to give their best but the rain spoiled everything.

“The team had a great time playing in this tournament, and if the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) invite us again next season we will gladly accept it with open arms.

“Our team as well as the other Malaysian teams benefited from the different playing styles and it would make both sides stronger if this partnership is continued,” said Zacharias.

In the bronze medal match, Blue Warriors gunned down PKS-UniTen 3-0 with goals from Qasidah Najwa Halimi (30th minute), Nadia Rahman (37th) and Norbaini Hashim (40th).