KUALA LUMPUR − The national men’s hockey squad continued to wallow without answer on Australian soil when they were thrashed 0-5 by the host team in the third leg of the 2022 International Test Series at Perth Hockey Stadium yesterday.
Malaysia − the 11th ranked team in the world − who were previously humiliated with 0-3 and 0-7 defeats by the world’s number one team, were still blunt in attack without being able to score a single goal in the four-match series.
The Kookaburras opened scoring in the 11th minute through a direct flick from Jeremy Hayward before Jake Harvie doubled the lead through a field goal two minutes later.
Continuing the second half, Hayward once again found the target through a flick after Australia were awarded a penalty corner hit in the 37th minute.
The Speedy Tigers’ effort to break the deadlock through a penalty corner hit in the 41st minute was harmlessly diffused by the Australia defence and goalkeeper.
Still on the rampage for goals, Australia managed to grab a penalty corner in the 42nd minute with Hayward completing his hattrick with another flick while Jake Whetton completed a stylish victory through a field goal in the 55th minute.
On a brighter note, today’s match saw Muhajir Abdu Rauf celebrating his first international cap (appearance) with the national senior team.
While still unable to match Australia’s finesse, Malaysian coach A. Arulselvaraj said a sharp increase in energy and effort was seen in his men during yesterday’s match.
“We had two penalty corners, which nearly translated into goals, besides being able to get into the (Aussie) goal area more. It showed we played more aggressively even though we gave ten penalty corner shots away to the opponents and they scored three goals out of it.
“We have much work to do in terms of defending in the goal area where it is too easy for us to concede a penalty corner to the opponent. Today is a day off for us before going down for the last match tomorrow,” he said in a statement.
A shootout penalty session, which was held after the match, also saw Malaysia lose 3-4 to Australia.
Malaysia will complete the series of four test matches against Australia with their final action tomorrow. – Bernama, April 27, 2022
