Despite vociferous home support, it was simply not the day for our speedy Tigers when they were outplayed and outsmarted, going down tamely to Australia 6-1 on the second day of the 26th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup on Sunday, April 30.
Kookaburra’s forwards, Tom Craig’s three goals (11th, 38th and 44th minutes) and Trent Mitton’s three (23rd, 27th and 58th minutes) goals denied the home team’s chance of grabbing the top two spots in the tournament. Despite the poor showing, coach Stephen Van Huizen, was happy with Malaysia’s performance,“We’d expected the game against Australia would be the hardest for us. The boys had done quite well in terms of attacking and defending. But of course, there is always room for improvement,” Stephen told reporters after the match.
Malaysia’s only goal came from a penalty stroke conversion by Faizal Saari at the 42nd minutes. In the second quarter, a Malaysian goal was cancelled due to a technical error.
With the win, Australia, Great Britain (beating Japan 5-3) and India (3-0 against New Zealand) are now on top of the table with four points each. Japan, New Zealand and Malaysia are with one point each.
Next matches of the tournament will be on Tuesday, May 2. India will be up against Australia at 4.05pm, New Zealand vs Japan is at 6.05pm and Malaysia will take on Great Britain at 8.30pm.
For the latest updates on the 26th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, be sure to follow us on facebook at www.facebook.com/IpohEcho or Instagram at www.instagram.com/ipohecho.my or twitter at www.twitter.com/ipohechomy.
Ili Aqilah
