# Japan outplay Malaysia 3-1 to keep their hopes alive
# England and Pakistan also in the running for second spot
By Rizal Abduilah
Australia roared to a convincing 8-1 win over Pakistan to book a place in Sunday’s final in the sixth edition of the Sultan of Johor Cup Under-21 Invitational hockey tournament at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium in Johor Bahru on Friday.
The Australians have been the most impressive team in this year’s tournament and are unbeaten after four matches. The only blemish was a 2-2 draw against hosts Malaysia in their second match.
Their final match in the round robin tournament is against England who outplayed New Zealand 4-2 in an earlier match.
Australia are on top with 10 points followed by debutants Japan second on nine points while Pakistan and England have seven points each but separated by goal difference.
Pakistan, who play Japan next, are still in contention for the final with Japan and England.
“It was really a great all round performance and we responded well to whatever Pakistan threw at us,” said Australian coach Ben Bishop.
“There’s no chance we’ll take it easy in the next match. I’ll keep to the same players. We ticking a lot of boxes as we progress and I want to continue that.”
Australia went 3-0 up after 20 minutes with a double from Tom Craig in the fifth and 16th minute and Blake Govers’ penalty corner.
Pakistan’s Muhammad Atiq pulled one back from open play in the 25th minute but Craig got his hattrick in the 34th minute with another field goal.
The Burras continued their free scoring in the second half with a penalty corner by Frazer Gerrard while Max Hendry and Ryan Proctor made in 7-1 with field goals in the 50th and 64th minute respectively. Proctor scored another in the 68th minute to cap a perfect night.
“I never expected it because we had expectations of a win despite Australia being a very strong side. Maybe some of the players were complacent after beating Malaysia on Wednesday.
“We must bounce back against Japan. They are another strong side and been improving from the first match here in Johor Bahru,” said Pakistan coach Tahir Zaman.
Malaysia took the lead against the Japanese with a field goal by Rozani Baharom after 16 minutes of play. But that was as far the Malaysians went as Japan turned on the heat to score twice through Miyu Tanimitsu in the 27th and 63rd miniutes for a 2-1 win.
