The experienced Girish Pimpale and young Rajat Sharma once again worked in tandem and combined effectively to guide Poisar Pirates to a tight 6-5 semi-final win against Mumbai Phantoms in the inaugural MRHL (Mumbai Rink Hockey League), which is being played under floodlights at the Malad Gymkhana.
Wadala Wanderers defender Amit Yadav is poised to push the ball past the UK United goalkeeper during a semi-final match of the Mumbai Rink Hockey League.
The duo showed understanding and capitalised on their chances to score three goals each which secured a win for their team and a place in the final.
Phantoms put up a good challenge but were beaten at the post by their consistent opponents. For Phantoms, Savio Nayak and Vikas Pillay scored two goals apiece and Junaid Coutinho one.
Pirates’ goalkeeper Karan Thakur was later named ‘Man-of-the-match’ and he received a cash award of Rs 1,000.
In the other semi-final, UK United got the better of Wadala Wanderers 9-8 via the tie-breaker after the high-scoring match finished in a 7-all draw. During regulation period, Yuvraj Walmiki scored four goals, Stanley Fernandes got two and Lawrence Soares one for United while Victo Singh struck five and Vikram Yadav and Boon D’Souza netted one each for the Wadala side.
In the ensuing running penalty duel, United converted through Yuvraj and B.K. Muthana, while Wadala could only manage to score through Victo.
Sudhir Dixit who played well in the UK United goal was adjudged ‘Man-of-the-match’ and got an award of Rs 1,000.
Results: Poisar Pairates 6 (Rajat Sharma 3, Girish Pimpale 3) beat Mumbai Phantoms 5 (Savio Nayak 2, Vikas Pillay 2, Junaid Coutinho). Man-of-the-match: Karan Thakur.
UK United 9 (Yuvraj Walmiki 4, Stanley Fernandes 2, Lawrence Soares) beat Wadala Wanderers 8 (Victo Singh 5, Vikram Yadav, Boon D’Souza) – full-time: 7-7. Man-of-the-match: Sudhir Dixit.