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The opening game shocking defeat two years ago by the Singaporean hockey team was still fresh on the mind of the Malaysian Bar hockey team as preparations were underway for this game.  Not wanting to disappoint its strong and ardent supporters, the Malaysian team made a determined effort to win this crucial opening day fixture at the annual Malaysia/Singapore Bench and Bar Games.

This time around, the Malaysian team showed up with a better and stronger team.  A couple of key players returned and the team looked poised and confident.  Despite the team being not so youthful, the spirit and teamwork were there to help ensure a victory.  The match was set at the grass pitch of the Singapore Cricket Club at 5:30 pm.  Despite being promised an international-sized hockey pitch, the game was played on a smaller pitch that is often associated with six-a-side games.  The Malaysian team, captained by Anand Ponnudurai and deputised by Vijayraj, started with a 3-4-3 formation.

Before the match got underway, both the Chief Justices of Malaysia and Singapore turned up to support their respective teams. Lim Chee Wee (President of the Malaysian Bar), Steven Thiru (Treasurer of the Malaysian Bar) and a few other Council members were also present to lend their support.  The game started furiously with both sides keen on scoring the first and ever-so-important goal.  The Malaysian defence and midfield held on well, repelling attack after attack.  This soon became frustrating for the Singaporeans despite their superior advantage in substitutions and youthfulness.

The teams look set to go into half time scoreless when, following a penalty corner, the Singaporean defence was adjudged to have used his body to block a goal bound short.  A penalty flick was the only obvious choice.  Under intense pressure from the watching Chief Justices, Vijayraj coolly flicked the penalty in to give the Malaysian team a 1–0 advantage into the break.

After the break, the Singaporean team increased the pressure.  The Malaysian team was soon tired and weary.  With an average age of 40-something against a 20-something Singaporean side, the Malaysian team held on bravely.  Despite almost every contentious decision going the way of the Singaporean team, the players could not score a goal.  The courageous Malaysian team held on to a hard fought 1–0 to give Malaysia its first point.

As the match was brought to an end, the Malaysian team rejoiced.  Cheers were exchanged between the teams and the competitive spirit was then traded for the promise of an excellent evening out at the welcome dinner at the same venue. The ghost of 2009 was put to rest.

All in all this victory would not have been possible but for the dedication shown by the players.  The supporters comprising the players’ wives, close friends and Members of the Bar, deserve a heartfelt vote of thanks. Their screaming and support gave the players that added boost when confronted with tired legs and empty lungs.

Kudos to the Malaysian Bar hockey team. 

Not just there to play and cheer, a team of web reporters will provide regular updates on the Malaysia/Singapore Bench and Bar Games 2011. For ease of reference, all reports will bear the heading "B&B 42".  Watch this space.