Syafiq stars in Unikl’s easy win over BJSS

KUALA LUMPUR: Mohamed Syafiq Zulzarin was the hero as Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) strolled to a 6-1 win over Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS) in the MHC-Milo-NSC Junior Hockey League at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil yesterday.

Syafiq, who was voted the best player in last year’s league, scored a hat-trick. He was on target twice in the first half and completed his scoring with the sixth goal in the 69th minute.

Meor Mohamed Azuan (38th), Mohamed Arshan Hamsani (48th) and Mohamed Fitri Ismail (67th) were the other scorers for UniKL, BJSS’ lone strike came from Abdul Khalid Hamirin.

It was UniKL’s second win in as many matches and moved them into second spot in the standings with six points. SSTMI-Thunderbolt, the double champions, continue to lead the standings with nine points.

UniKL coach K. Embaraj was pleased with his players, saying it was a much better performance compared to their opening 6-2 win over SSTMI Juniors on Sunday.

“The players were quite relaxed today and it resulted in them playing their normal game. I want them to improve with each match and not take their opponents for granted,” said Embaraj.

For BJSS, it was their third straight loss and they are out of the reckoning for the title.

“We have to start winning to finish among the top six teams and qualify for the quarterfinals,” said BJSS coach S. Prakash.

In Division Two, former champions OLAKKPT were surprisingly beaten 1-2 by KL Sports School in Group B.

In contrast, SMK Datuk Taha easily edged fellow Tampin side SMK Tunku Besar 3-0 to continue to lead the standings.