It was one match too far for the young Malaysian Tigers. Despite coming off a perfect qualifying run, the Malaysian team in the B Division fell to the hard running experience of the Brunei team in Monday’s final of the SEA Games Polo. 
HRH Prince Jefri was unable to play the final, having been injured in the collision with Santi Juban the day before. It did not matter. Prince Jefri was replaced by Pengiran Khairul. Idris Sirat, Huzaimi Mahari and Muhammad Farid were the architects of Malaysia’s defeat.
Malaysia were caught flat-flooted at the start. Brunei’s three quick goals in the first chukka had the youngsters reeling.
Rashid converted two penalties, including a thumping 60 yarder in the second chukka to bring Malaysia back into the game. At half-time it as 3-2 to Brunei, and Malaysia looked poised to bring the game under control.
Mistakes in the third chukka saw Brunei race away with four goals, to to 7-2 lead. It was all over, bar the shouting.
Malaysia pulled back two goals in the final chukka, again on penalty conversions by Rashid. But it was too little, too late. Brunei were deserving gold medal winners, 7 – 4 at the final bell.
Unable to score from open play, the young Malaysian team paid the price of their inexperience against the determined Bruneiens. With an average age of just 19.25 year, you can be sure this Malaysian team is the future of Malaysian polo, but it was not to be this year.
Gold: Brunei Darusallam
Silver: Malaysia
Bronze: Indonesia
Philippines
Related Links:
30SEAGPolo: Into the Final II
30SEAGPolo: Malaysia Moves Into Top Gear
30SEAGPolo: Malaysia Struggles Past Philippines
30SEAGPolo: B Division
30SEAGPolo: Malaysia’s Gold Against All Odds
30SEAGPolo: Philippines vs Malaysia in the Final
30SEAGPolo: Philippines Rises
30SEAGPolo: Brunei and Malaysia win
SEA Games Polo: A Division
Argentina and The Philippines
