Sports

Sunday March 1, 2009

Olak eager to get back on the winning track again

By S. RAMAGURU

KUALA LUMPUR: Old La Sallians Association of Klang (Olak) have been regulars in the Junior Hockey League since its inception in 1995.

They also boast of having won six titles — second only to Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS), who have 10 titles to their name.

Olak were also overall champions from 1997 to 2000 and won two league titles in 1998 and 1999.

Since 2000, however, it has been downhill all the way, with Olak unable to even qualify for the semi-finals.

But they are hoping that this year will see a change in their fortunes, especially as they have a reasonably experienced line-up capable of challenging the top teams in Division Two of the new Malaysia Hockey League (Under-19 category).

Olak began their campaign with am impressive 3-1 win over Bandar Penawar SS Juniors before their second match against JSC-Batu Pahat was washed out due to rain. It will now be played on April 8.

On Friday, they notched their second straight win, beating Anderson 2-1 at the Pandamaran Hockey Stadium.

This has whetted their appetite and they are looking forward to extending their winning run next week before the MHL takes a two-week break for the National Under-16 tournament in Seremban.

Olak assistant team manager Joseph De Silva said yesterday that they were glad to have recruited experienced players into the team.

Two were former BJSS players while eight others were from Anderson. They also have two former Penang Free School players.

“So, expectations are higher. We also have a top coach in S. Sivabalan. The players are responding well to his ideas and this can be seen in our matches thus far. It is still too early to talk about a tilt at the title. We will have better idea after the match against Bandar Penawar SS on March 8,” said De Silva.

He is, however, more concerned with the injuries to his players in their win over Anderson on Friday.

Three of their players were hurt in an off-the-ball incidents. Mohd Heiry Pami has two stitches on his mouth while Mohd Hafiz Idrus and Azrai Mohd Azizan had to seek out-patient treatment for bruises after the match.

“We are lucky that we do not have a match tomorrow (today). This will give my players time to recover for the matches against Petaling Jaya City Council (March 6) and BPSS. For us, that weekend will be pivotal to our title ambitions,” said De Silva.

“Wins over the two teams will put us on the right road. We are confident that we will do well this year. But it is important that we take it one match at a time.”

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