Territory Stingers have claimed their first win of the Malaysian Hockey League season

The Territory Stingers have secured their first victory of the Malaysian Hockey League putting their talent on full display. Read the latest.

Territory Stingers Malaysian Hockey League team launch. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

The Territory Stingers men have claimed their first win in the Malaysian Hockey League, as the women gear up for their first match of the season.

The Stingers started strong despite challenging wet conditions and playing just their second game on foreign soil as Territory talent went on full display in the win over Nurinsafi.

It followed their 1-1 draw against TNB Thunderbolts in the first match of the season, a game where the likes of Adam Luck and Leon Hayward showed their talents in goal.

Their positive play again paid off against Nurinsafi as they controlled possession and known talents such as Zach Rakkas were a constant danger.

Their perfomance was rewarded with the opening goal from an Adrian Lockley penalty stroke, but Nurinsafi’s short-range overhead game and speed in behind caused problems throughout the match.

Nurinsafi equalised at the start of the second quarter with a well-executed deflection from a penalty corner.

The Stingers steeled themselves and responded quickly to regain the lead through a scrappy field goal driven by Calvin Farmillo’s determination and finished by Jason Talbot.

Adrian Lockley scored twice in the win for the Territory Stingers.

Nathan Hochman controlled the midfield, setting the tempo and linking play effectively, while Karl Hochman was instrumental defensively, making key one-on-one stops around the circle and shutting down Nurinsafi’s attacking threats.

Lachlan Walters made his tournament debut, stepping up in the second half with multiple key saves, including a crucial phase of five consecutive repeat penalty corners as the Stingers lifted the tempo.

Despite a dominant period led by Lockley, Jeremy Mayne, and Rakkas, the Stingers couldn’t extend their lead and held a 2-1 advantage at three-quarter time.

The fourth quarter was scrappy from both teams, with Mayne taking a nasty strike to the face, forcing the Stingers to shuffle their line-up.

However, a brilliant penalty corner variation finished by captain Lockley sealed the result in the final stages.

The win marks the Stingers’ first victory in an elite competition in more than a decade, with Joe Lauritsen and Max Fraser also making their Stingers debuts.

The women will start their campaign inspired by the victory as they take on Mutiara-MSSSP-PSHA-PKS Uniten at 4pm local time on Saturday.

Fans can watch the match live here: rtmklik.rtm.gov.my/live/okey

The historic clash marks the Stingers women’s return to a competitive league, with current leaders Blue Warriors dominating the table with 12 points from four consecutive wins.

While the team will be without key players Blackstick Julia King and dynamic duo Elly and Jemma Buckley for the opener, all three are set to join the squad in the coming days.

The Territory Stingers women in training ahead of their first MHL match.

Instead it will be a chance to blood some junior talent with Jordan Bliss, Holly Beath, Maya Nunn, Estelle Hughes and Naomi Evans all set to make their debuts.

Co-captain Samantha PangQuee said the side was excited to kick off their MHL journey and showcase Territory talent.

“The girls have put in the hard yards into our preparation and now it’s time to get onto the field, show skills and get the wins under our belt,” she said.

”It’s been a long awaited return for our Stingers men and women and we want to show we mean business and are here to stay.”

Originally published as Territory Stingers have claimed their first win of the Malaysian Hockey League season