Bintulu debutants create Kuching Fest hockey history

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SMK Sebauh players celebrate with (from third right) Lau, Claudia and state coach Catherine Lambor after the prize presentation.

The men’s champions Kairos pose with Taufik (centre) James (second left), Claudia (second right) and past Women’s Hockey Association of Sarawak presidents Margaret Fung (left) and Jennifer William.

KUCHING: SMK Sebauh from Bintulu made history when they captured the women’s crown of the Kuching Festival Hockey Tournament in their very first appearance at the Sarawak Hockey Stadium along Jalan Padungan on Sunday.

They outplayed Bako B 3-1 in the final. KHC were third after they thumped UPM 4-0 in the play-off.

Other teams in the women’s competition were Sibu Jaya HC, Siburan A, St Columbia Miri, Siburan C, Telaga Air and Taee.

“We had only the cement field to train and play on and there is much satisfaction in us beating teams who train on astroturf fields,” said coach Julian Lau Kiing Tuan who has been developing hockey at the school since 2012.

The mixed team comprising students from SMK Sebauh, SMK Kidurong, SMK Paku and SMK Balai Ringin, who are aged 14-16, are Josephine Angkun, Elizabeth Epui Martin, Eryline Payak Jeffery Sulau, Mariana Felix, Farra Nazareth Entari, Kitty Rosa Mick, Nikevictorya Ping, Augustina Anjhung and Felicity Candy Zaini.

According to him, the experience was also a good preparation for the school team who will be competing the National Hockey League U14 tournament in November.

SMK Sebauh are also the Bintulu inter-school champions and some of their players are now studying and playing hockey at SMK Paku in Bau.

Meanwhile, Kairos edged Kuching Hockey Club 1-0 to lift the men’s title while Sabah Sports School blanked Bako A 7-0 to finish in third spot.

Other teams in the men’s category were Greenian A, Taee SR, Telaga Air (Biru), Young Cupper A, Lake, Telaga Air (Hitam), Young Cupper B, Sibu Jaya HC, Unixx JR A, X-Boys, MTOB A, Telaga Air (Putih), Greenian B, UPM, Siburan A, Siburan B, DPK Etong, MTOB B, Taee JR, Bako B, Unixx JR B and Telaga Air (Kuning).

Kuching Festival organising chairman councillor Mohamad Taufik Abdul Ghani, who represented the MBKS mayor James Chan, closed the event and gave away the prizes.

Also present were Hockey Association of Sarawak (HAS) James Brodie and vice president Claudia Regina Janting.