State hockey team edge Bradfield College
Published on: Friday, July 24, 2009
Kota Kinabalu: The State team edged Bradfield College from the United Kingdom 2-1 in a friendly hockey match that was played at the Likas Sports Complex here, Wednesday night.The State team, which comprised mostly of players that have been drafted to play in the up coming Razak Cup tournament, was the first to get on the score sheet.Dedi Saputra took glory for the team in as early as the fifth minute when his shot, which was taken off a corner gave the home team the opener and the lead.
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Bradfield College, however, were not about to let Sabah keep them from scoring a goal of their own. It took until the 27th minute for the visitors to find their equaliser, courtesy of James Manser.Then, just five minutes before the break, Herik Ahmad Sam scored to restore the lead for the home team.The hopes of a small group of spectators, which included Deputy Chief Minister-cum-Youth and Sports Minister, Datuk Peter Pang En Yin, for more field action were dashed when a heavy downpour and thunderstorm forced the match to be halted for almost half an hour.When the rain eventually stopped, it left a flooded pitch that forced the players to wait for the water to reside before continuing on with their match.
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Sabah Hockey Association Secretary, Avtar Singh was pleased that the friendly game had still gone smoothly even after the rain and flood.He expressed gratitude and appreciation for the important presence of the
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Minister, which according to Avtar "shows that the Minister fully supports for the event".Even heavy rain did not deter Pang from staying until the end, as he led by example to his staff to "turun padang"!"We are so glad to see they come and support us in full forced. Even the Ministry's Permanent Secretary Michael Emban was around so as the State Sports Council Director Abdul Rahman Laman, who was there until the end."We are so pleased to see the Minister stay until the end. This shows the Ministry's commitment in wanting to see not only hockey, but also other sports to progress."We are also thankful that they are willing to give us the assistance and helping hand, not only for this friendly match, but also for the development of hockey."For instance, they also gave us assistance in getting a full time coach. Although the matter has not been finalised, we want to make sure that we are getting the right deal and the right man for the job," Avtar.When asked to comment on the preparation for the 47th edition of the Razak Cup, Avtar said, "everything is going smoothly"."We have completed the first phase of centralised training and we will start the second phased soon," said Avtar.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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