30SEAGPolo: Malaysia Struggles Past Philippines

Peter

7 years ago

Malaysia struggled with discipline but did enough to win their opening match against host country Philippines as the typhoon delayed B Division finally got under way at the Mikee Romero Polo Facility. Rashid, Lalo, Dr Azfar and Imran Moiz did more than enough to win the game, but gave away five penalty goals to the Philippines.

Rashid, his frustration showing, also picked up a yellow card for hitting the ball into the spectators after a whistle had gone.

Malaysia got off to the better start, putting two past Philippines in the first chukka, and dominating possession. At half time it was 3 – 1 ½ to Malaysia.

It was a different story in the second half as foul trouble gave Philippines three consecutive 30 yarders, which they converted to take the lead 4 ½ – 4. They got further ahead 5 ½ – 4, before they were hit with foul trouble. Rashid put the penalties through, to win the game 6 – 5 ½ for Malaysia.

Dr Azfar came off down two minutes into the match. He got up and struggled on, but had to be replaced by Keith Teh in the last half chukka.

Lalo and Imran worked tirelessly, but it was Rashid who had to work hard to keep his second goal medal quest alive.

In the first game of the day it was Brunei, who flew like Typhoon Tisoy past Indonesia. It was an 8 – 1 thrashing.

HRH Prince Jefri’s side was emphatic in their win. Their superior horse power had them rocketing past the Indonesians. The pre-match predictions were that the Indonesian professionals would give the ageing Brunei side a hard fight. Instead it was the experienced Brunei side that taught the young Indonesians how to play polo.

Malaysia face Brunei today in what should be its toughest test in their path to Monday’s final. Philippines will try to get their stuttering SEA Games back on track when the face Indonesia.

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