GREAT Britain bounced back from a two-goal deficit to win 3-2 over Australia and in the process lifted the Sultan of Johor Cup for the fourth time at the Johor Bahru Hockey Stadium in Taman Daya today.
The Britons became the first team in the 12-year history of the SOJC that was inaugurated in 2011 to win the coveted trophy for a record fourth time. They also emerged champions in 2015, 2018 and 2019.
However, the loudest cheers were reserved for Great Britain coach Jon Bleby who took the team to their fourth SOJC title in six out of 10 editions. He was appointed Great Britain’s Under-21 men’s team coach in 2013.
“It was a very tough match. I think we played very well but we had a poor first 10 minutes and were 2-0 down. Credit to the lads who played really well, tremendous effort levels. They had a brilliant tournament and I’m very proud of them. Australia played really well too,” said Bleby.
“We love this tournament and are thankful for getting invited. It’s amazing to win it every time we do it,” added Bleby, who made his Olympic debut for Great Britain hockey in 2008 Beijing.
Meanwhile, India triumphed 3-2 over New Zealand in a thrilling penalty shootout after it ended 2-2 in regulation time to claim the bronze medal. The Indians, champions in 2013, 2014 and 2022, also finished third last year.
Apart from an exciting final, hockey fans were treated to a night of music by Ella, dubbed Malaysia’s Queen of Rock, who delivered her hits with superb vocals.
Daykin Stanger and Dylan Downey kept Australia 2-0 ahead with a field and a penalty corner goal in the 10th and 13th minutes respectively.
But the Britons, who had three penalty corners against seven by Australia, went on high press at the end of the first quarter and pulled one back through Kaden Draysey (14th).
Alex Chihota added the second (40th) via a field goal, and Man of the Match Rory Penrose converted a penalty corner in the 51st minute that sealed Great Britain’s famous 3-2 victory.
For the Australians, it was another disappointing night. The Burras qualified for the final of the 2022 and 2023 editions only to suffer defeats against Germany and India respectively.
Australian coach Jay Stacy said: “Unfortunately, it was very disappointing for us tonight. We did not play well enough. Basic skills were a little low and we had trouble with energy and the play. We started well and had some chances. But made some basic mistakes and we need to get better in big games like this.”
“The big crowd is good for us. The younger players will grow and not get the jitters. We came here to try and win the tournament but we did not start very well from our first match. Today, the score was 3-2 but we were nowhere our standards.”
“It is very disappointing. Our best game was against India. We played quite well against Japan, and overran Malaysia as they are an inexperienced side at the moment. That’s the beauty of the SOJC and we like coming here every year because we can introduce new players at the national level,” added Stacy.
Great Britain players celebrate their fourth SOJC triumph.
Singer Ella delivers her hits with superb vocals
