SOJC: Australia Advance To Final

JOHOR BAHRU (Johor, Malaysia) Nov 5 (Bernama) -- Australia's junior hockey team managed to book a ticket to the finals, continuing their unbeaten run by drubbing Pakistan 8-1 in the fourth day of the Sultan of Johor Cup (SOJC) 2016 hockey tournament Friday. The squad managed by Ben Bishop lead the standings with ten points, and have a game left against England Saturday. Australia began strongly as Tom Craig scored two field goals in the fifth and 17th minute before Blake Govers put in the third through a penalty corner in the 21st minute. Pakistan's first and only goal came through a field goal by Muhammad Atiq in the 25th minute, before Tom Craig scored Australian's fourth through a field goal a minute before half time. In the second half, Australia pounded Pakistan with four more goals through Frazer Gerrard (47th minute) Max Hendry (50') and Ryan Proctor (64' and 68'). Meanwhile, Japan continued to perform well with a 2-1 victory against Malaysia. They currently at second place in the table after collecting nine points from three victories. Malaysia started well as Mohamad Rozani Baharom's field goal in the 15th minute put them ahead, but Japan equalised through a penalty corner in the 27th minute scored by Miyu Tanimitsu. In the second half, Miyu Tanimitsu sealed the win for the visitors through a penalty corner in the 63rd minute. England also kept their hopes of getting into the final alive after beating New Zealand 4-2. With a game left, the squad coached by Jon Bleby now have seven points, picking up two wins from four matches. England opened the scoring in the 11th minute through a field goal produced by Jack Clee, before Peter Scott doubled the lead with a field goal in the 28th minute. In the second half, England added a third through a penalty corner by Edward Way in the 40th minute, before New Zealand narrowed the gap through field goals by Aidan Sarikaya (51') and Dylan Thomas (57'). However, New Zealand's comeback was denied as England sealed the win with a field goal produced by Christopher Proctor in the 59th minute. -- BERNAMA