Malaysia’s men’s national Under-21 team lost 2-5 to the Australian Under-21 side who seized the moment at the Queensland State Hockey Centre in Brisbane today.
It was the Young Tigers’ second consecutive defeat against the Burras. Last Friday, the Malaysians went down 2-4 in their opening match of the Brisbane tour.
“The boys played better hockey as in ball movement and creating opportunities. Structure of the team has also improved as the players now understand better their specific task and responsibility,” said national juniors assistant coach I. Vikneswaran.
“We have benefited a lot from the last two matches. Being consistent is vital and any lapse will cost the team. This is a learning curve,” he added.
The Australians took the lead in the second minute via a field goal but the Malaysians equalised 1-1 through Muhammad Handzalah Abdul Hadi in the fourth minute from a field goal.
However, the Australians went on to dominate the second, third and fourth quarters in a fast tempo game and hit the Malaysians with four more goals – two from penalty corner conversions and two via open play – in the 18th, 40th, 53rd and 57th minutes.
The Young Tigers reduced the deficit to 2-5 with a field goal from Mohammad Harris Iskandar Osman in the 58th minute.
The Malaysians will play their third friendly match against the Australian juniors tomorrow (July 29) and the fourth match on July 31.
They will wrap up the Australian tour series with matches against the Queensland Hockey Team on Aug 1 and Aug 5.