Maintaining their winning momentum, Poisar Pirates charged to their third consecutive victory and marched into the semi-finals of the inaugural MRHL (Mumbai Rink Hockey League), which is being played under floodlights at the Malad Gymkhana. In a concluding league match, Pirates, who were once again well-served by their strike partners, Rajat Sharma (4 goals) and Girish Pimapale (3 goals) coasted to a 7-3 win against Jabaaz Almeidians, on Thursday night. Pirates’ goalkeeper Karan Thakur was declared ‘Man-of-the-match’ and awarded a cash prize of Rs 1,000.
UK United’s Anup Walmiki attempts to score from a penalty stroke past Mumbai Phantoms goalkeeper during a league match of the Mumbai Rink Hockey League
Pirates with 9 points topped Pool-B. The other two teams in this pool, Mumbai Phantoms and Orlem Vikings also won their last round matches defeating UK United 9-7 and Wadala Wanders 3-2 respectively. Both, having recorded two wins each finished with an equals number of 6 points. But, Phantoms with a goal difference (+3) as against Vikings (+1) were placed second in the pool and will now meet leaders Pirates in the semi-finals.
The second semi-final will be contested between Pool-B toppers Wanderers and second-placed United.
Results: Poisar Pairates 7 (Rajat Sharma 4, Girish Pimpale 3) beat Jabaaz Almeidians 3 (Vinod Kumar 2, Kishore Kumar). Man-of-the-match: Karan Thakur.
Orlem Vikings 3 (Tyron Pereira 2, Jayesh Jadhav) beat Wadala Wanderers 2 (Vikram Yadav). Man-of-the-match: Errol D’Silva.
Mumbai Phantoms 9 (Savio Nayak 6, Vikas Pillay 2, Joshua Vessaokar) beat UK United 7 (Yuvraj Walmiki 5, Anup Walmiki 2). Man-of-the-match: Savio Nayak.