Putting up a strong determined performance Mumbai Customs charged to a comfortable 2-0 win against Bombay Republicans in the Men’s final of the Ambernath Hockey Welfare Association organised 8th Joe Fernandis Memorial 9-a-side instant hockey tournament 2018 and played at the St. Stanislaus astro turf ground, Bandra. This tournament was previously played on a mud ground in Ambernath and for the first time the event was conducted on an artificial surface.
The Mumbai Customs players are all smiles as they pose with the ‘Champions’ trophy along with Olympian Mervyn Fernandis after defeating Bombay Republicans 2-0 in the Men’s final of the Ambernath Hockey Welfare Association organised 8th Joe Fernandis Memorial 9-a-side instant hockey tournament 2018.
The superior and experienced Customs outfit held the upper hand and took the lead when full backs Joshua Vessaokar scored from a penalty corner in the eight minute. Republicans put up a spirited fight back but were not able to break down the solid Customs defence.
After switching ends, Customs increased their lead when the ace forward Jayedh Jadav scored in the 24th minute tto seal the triumph.
Earlier in the semi-finals, Bombay Republicans powered by Moses Pullanthara’s fine hat-trick defeated the visiting Kalyan Boys 3-0. Pullanthara successfully converted a penalty corner in the very fourth minute to give Republicans the lead. He was again on target scoring from a field effort to double Republicans lead in the 17th minute and in the first minute of the second half, Pullanthara netted the third goal to complete his hat-trick and seal Republicans passage to the final.
In the second semi-final, Customs blanked Union Bank of India 4-0. Jayesh Jadhav and Alden D’Souza scored two goals each to round of the winimg tally for the excisemen.
Results – Men’s – final: Mumbai Customs 2 (Joshua Vessaokar, Jayesh Jadhav) beat Bombay Republicans 0.
Semi-finals: Mumbai Customs 4 (Alden D’Souza 2, Jayesh Jadhav 2) beat Union Bank of India 0.
Bombay Republicans 3 (Moses Pullanthara 3) beat Kalyan Boys 0.
Note: The tournament is organized by Olympian Mervyn Fernandis in memory of his father Joe Fernandis.