Our girls get into the groove by registering a draw with Wales

Good job: Nuramirah Shakirah Zulkifli was named as the player of the match.

PETALING JAYA: Debutants Malaysia enjoyed a better fortune in their second Group D match in the Women’s Junior World Cup (JWC) in South Africa.

The girls were on the verge of victory after taking a 3-1 lead against Wales but eventually settled for a 3-3 draw in Potchefstroom yesterday.

It was a much improved performance in comparison to their 10-0 rout by Germany in their opening game on Saturday.

And to make it even more special Nuramirah Shakirah Zulkifli was named player of the match after scoring two goals.

Malaysia got off to a positive start when Elizabeth Epui Martin hit the board first with a field goal in the 14th minute but Wales were quick to equalise through Isabelle Howell in the 23rd minute via a penalty corner.

Forward Nuramirah put Malaysia back in the lead through a penalty corner in the 33rd minute and four minutes later, she was back to terrorise the Welsh defence with a field goal to put Malaysia in a comfortable 3-1 lead.

But all the good effort ended in vain in the fourth quarter when Wales came back charging to score two successive goals through Jessica Hill (51st) and Cerys Preston (53rd).

Malaysia Hockey Confederation (MHC) deputy president Prof Datuk Dr S. Shamala was happy the girls bounced back with strong performance.

“It was a very good game by the girls after their first match (against Germany). They were leading 3-1 but in the last quarter one of our players received a yellow card, which cost us dearly, and there some mistakes too. That led to a draw,” said Shamala.

“However, there were big improvements and the girls played better and looked more settled now.

On the recognition for Nuramirah, Shamala said: “Amirah is one of our most outstanding players since young and has been playing with the senior team now.”

Malaysia will play India to complete their group fixture tomorrow. India whipped Wales 5-1 on Saturday.