ASEAN Schools Hockey: Malaysia outclass Singapore to win 8-0

By Lai Jun Wei/Red Sports

Sengkang Hockey Stadium, Monday, 4 July, 2011 — The Singapore girls’ hockey team were outclassed 0-8 by Malaysia in their final group game at the 3rd ASEAN Schools Games. Singapore had beaten Thailand 3-0 in their previous match and a win against Malaysia would have seen them top the group in the three-team competition. Malaysia and Singapore will play each other again in the final on Wednesday, 5pm.

From the start, Malaysia were always in control as they limited Singapore’s attacking chances. Five minutes into the game, Malaysia made their first attempt on goal via Nur Azlin (Malaysia #5), but saw the ball go wide. Four minutes later, Malaysia were awarded their first penalty corner but saw their attempt deflect off the foot of Singapore’s Joanne Huang (#15).

After three consecutive penalty corners, Malaysia still could not make their mark. Moments later, Malaysia missed a golden opportunity when their player failed to connect in front of an open Singapore goal.

It took several more attempts before Malaysia scored their first goal via a penalty corner from Nurul’ Ain (#12). This started Malaysia’s goal fest as they started pounding the Singapore goal.

In the 24th minute, Malaysian captain Nur Azlin (#15) scored via a field goal with a goal from Hanis Nadiah (Malaysia #2). In the 32nd minute, Malaysia scored two goals, the first, a field goal from Hanis Nadiah (#2). Masyitah (Malaysia #9) then took advantage of a confusion in front of the Singapore goal after a penalty corner to tap in Malaysia’s fifth goal of the day.

The Malaysians superiority was evident throughout the match as they prevented Singapore from making any decent attempt on goal.

In the second half, the Malaysians took a step back as they settled comfortably into their 5-0 lead. Singapore’s attempts were futile as their long passes were constantly intercepted by their opponents.

Six minutes on, Singapore had their first clear chance at goal. Tiffany Ong (Singapore #18) made an attempt from the right which rolled in front of an open Malaysian goal. However, the shot by teammate Phoebe Neo (#3) rolled harmlessly away.

Malaysia took their tally to six goals after Masyitah (Malaysia #9) scored via a penalty corner. In the 57th minute, Malaysia scored their seventh goal of the match after a field goal from Wan Norfaeizah (Malaysia #6).

They then sealed Singapore’s fate in the 68th minute when Masyitah (Malaysia #9) scored the team’s eighth goal to complete a personal hat-trick.

For more photos, go to the next page.