Big leap forward by hockey boys

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KUCHING : The state Under-16 boys team made history at the 6th National Sport Council’s Director-General Cup (DG Cup) indoor hockey tournament by finishing third for Sarawak’s best ever showing in the tournament’s history.

The tournament, held at Tanjung Malim, Perak from Oct 24-26 this year, has always attracted the best U-16 juniors in the country including those from Bukit Jalil and Bandar Penawar Sports School.

Sarawak’s previous best was sixth placing in the inaugural edition in 2009.

Unfortunately, they have been on the slide since, mirroring the fortune of the game in Sarawak.

Recognising the declining standards, the Sarawak Hockey Association initiated a development programme several years ago. It is a credit to the association and the young players that they have persevered.

So this year’s achievement represents the fruit of their labour. They opened their campaign with a 1-0 win over Pahang but then lost to Negri Sembilan 1-2.

The boys rebounded with three straight wins beating Terengganu, Perlis and Selangor, all by a 1-0 score. Having qualified for the semis, they then lost their last group match 1-3 to Kelantan.

In the semis, they lost to Penang 0-2 on penalty strokes after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.

“We should have won the match as we had lots of chances but just could not capitalise on them,” said SHA secretary William Lee.

Lee managed the team with Kangot Awan, from Kuching schools hockey powerhouse SMK Penrissen, handling the coaching reins.

Apart from the the team’s success, there was an individual honour when Muhd. Nurazwan Syafiq Amri was voted as the tournament’s top goalkeeper.

The key to the team’s success centred around players such as 16-year-old Shawn Bradley Mathew who has been in the development programme for several years. Shawn has played in the DG Cup since 2012.

Several players from the team also competed in the 2013 U-14 national championship.

Lee wants to leverage on the DG Cup windfall for the future.

“We can capitalise on this and build on it. After the third placing, it is very motivating for the players,” he said.

More players, he added, have turned up for the scheduled training after their strong DG Cup performance.

“It is all about building a winning mentality.”