Indian Navy and Western Railway, both former champions were engaged in a grim battle before settling for a division of two points as they played out a thrilling 3-3 draw in a Super Division match of the MHAL (Mumbai Hockey Association Limited) League – 2016, and played at the MHAL Mahindra Stadium, Churchgate, on Friday evening.
Basvaraj Ambiger (left) of Central Railway receives the ‘Man of the match’ award from Cdr. Ashutosh A. Pednekar (Indian Navy at the MHAL-Mahindra Stadium.
In a match of fluctuating fortunes, Western against the run of play forged ahead when Manpreet Singh after receiving a neat through pass from Stanley Minz tapped home from close in the 12th minute. However, Western’s joy was short-lived as two minute later Sanjeev Toppo capitalized on a gilt-edged chance and sounded the boards to level the scores. The railwaymen regained the lead when consistent score Rajan Kandolna scored from a snap move in the 30th minute and give his team a 2-1 half-time advantage.
However, after switching ends, Navy hit back immediately with full backs S.C. Kindo finding the target with a firm low push to goalkeeper Karan Thakur’s right following a penalty corner. Navy continued to push forward and for the first time in the match took the lead through their prolific scorer M.S. Thakur in the 52nd minute. Thereafter, Western went on an all out attack and managed to find the equalizer through Kandolna who got his second goal on the match.
Earlier, Central Railway overcame Union Bank of India 4-2. Basvaraj Ambiger scored a brace of goals while Mohd Nizamuddin and Narad Bahadur got one to secure Central’s win while Union Bank scored through Vineet Nimal and Nitin Kumar.
Basvaraj Ambiger of Central Railway and Rajan Kandolna of Western Railway were declared the ‘Man of the Match’ in their respective games and both were presented with a cash award of Rs 1,000 each.
Results: Central Railway 4 (Mohd Nizamuddin 7th, Narad Bahadur 35th, Basvaraj Ambiger 41st, 52nd) beat Union Bank of India 2 (Vineet Nimal 4th, Nitin Kumar 39th). Man of the match: Basvaraj Ambiger (Central Railway).
Western Railway 3 (Manpreet Singh 12th, Rajan Kandolna 30th, 62nd) drew with Indian Navy 3 (Sanjeev Topo 14th, S.C. Kindo 39th, M.S. Thakur 52nd). Man of the match: Rajan Kandolna (Western Railway).