Opportunistic goal-scorer Bhagyashree Agarwal grabbed all the attention by slamming home four goals which inspired Freunds Sports Club to a convincing 8-5 win against Bombay Republicans SC in a tall-scoring women’s final of the Mount Carmel Open Invitation Floodlit Rink Hockey Tournament – 2019, organised under the auspices of the MHAL by the Carmel Sports Committee and played at the Mount Carmel Church compound on Friday night. Freunds enjoyed a commanding 6-2 half-time lead in the fast-paced, lively and entertaining contest.
The players of the triumphant Freunds SC team are all smiles as they pose with the Champions trophy along with Chief Guest, Bishop Barthol Barretto (centre) and Fr. Reuben Tellis (2nd left), Parish Priest, Mount Carmel Church, Bandra.
Freunds asserted their dominance from the start and Bhagyashree, the spearhead in the attack displayed superb finishing touch to lead the way with her fine 4-goal effort. She was brilliantly supported by young dashing forward Ruqqqaiya Shaikh who contributed with two goals, including an early first goal to open the scoring. They were both responsible for getting all the six goals for the team in the first session. Republicans captain Rituja Mullick led the fight back by scoring both the first half goals.
In the second period, Freunds relaxed the pace but they did well to keep their rivals in check and maintain their advantage. They consolidated the lead with two more goals through Meenakshi Agarwal and Reshma Mahadik to complete the winning tally. Republicans tried their best to break down the compact Freunds defence to find the net and reduce the deficit in a bid to try and turn things around. But they could not convert the chances and could score only three more goals and finished on the losing side. Payal Sawant scored two goals and Chaitrali Gawde got one.
Later, UK United bagged the Men’s Open title defeating a young enterprising Union Bank of India 6-3. Yuvraj Walmiki (3 goals), Devinder Walmiki (2 goals) and Rajat Sharma (one) scored or the victors, while for Union Bank of India, Vinay Walmiki (2 goals) and Suraj Shahi (one) got the goals.
Chief Guest Bishop Barthol Barretto presented the trophies and cash awards to the Champions and Runners-up.
Results – Women Open (final): Freunds SC 8 (Bhagyashree Agarwal 4, Ruqqaiya Shaikh 2, Meenakshi Agarwal, Reshma Mahadik) beat beat Bombay Republicans SC 5 (Rujuta 2, Payal 2, Chaitali Gawde).
Men’s Open (final): UK United 6 (Yuvraj Walmiki 3, Devinder Walmiki 2, Rajat Sharma) beat Union Bank of India 3 (Vinay Walmiki 2, Suraj Shahi).