Team from down south emerges as champions in inline hockey tourney

http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2009/2/27/central/3337095&sec=central

SINGAPORE’S Team Piranhas lived up to the favourite tag when they emerged as the champions in the inaugural Malaysian Inline Hockey Tournament (MIH09) at the Sports Plaza in Petaling Jaya recently.

In the final match, Team Piranhas were involved in a keen battle with compatriots Team Urban. It was a close match and both teams were neck-and-neck for most of the match. But in the end, Team Piranhas scored in the last minute, to take the title with a 4-3 score.

Ten teams - Team Underdogs Blue, Team Underdogs Red, Team Galacticans, Team O’Stars, Team Piranhas, Team Nova, Team Urban, Team Manila Roosters, Team Hong Kong Red, and Team Hong Kong Blue - took part in the two-day championship organised by Team Underdog of Selangor.

Each team played four games in a round robin manner, each game consisting of 14 minutes per half.

Team Underdogs of Selangor received rave reviews from their international visitors who have agreed to return for next year’s tournament – MIHT10.

Organising chairman Craig Matthew Lee said they had worked hard towards organising the championship.

“Though the sport is not so widespread in Malaysia, I am confident that now we will see more teams coming together. We hope that with support from bodies like the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ), inline hockey will soar to greater heights in Malaysia,” said Lee.

Bukit Gasing state assemblyman Edward Lee was the guest of honour at prize-giving ceremony and appreciation dinner.

Lee said he was keen to support inline hockey.

“It is a very robust game and I think it is good for young people to be able to handle their temperament in a robust game, at the same time not hitting each other. I understand that nobody got hurt. Everybody enjoyed the game, and that’s important,’’ said Lee.