Bombay Republicans making their debut, put up an impressive performance and shared the spoils with formidable Indian Navy in an exciting 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 Thursday afternoon.
Union Bank of India defender Harjit Singh (centre) receives the ‘Man of the match’ award from Mrs Jaswinder Kaur Bakshi (left), wife of MHAL President, Mangha Singh Bakshi, who is also seen in the photograph.
In the second match, former champions, Western Railway were held to a goalless draw by Union Bank of India.
The Bombay Republicans outfit comprising mainly of talented youngsters were well-served by seasoned full backs Conroy Remedious, Errol D’Silva and goalkeeper Lincoln Taites, all three playing key roles in inspiring the rest of the team to put up a strong fight. Playing with plenty of determination and confidence Republicans did well to match their more experienced opponents and straightaway launched a couple of raids at the Navy boat.
From one snap foray Republicans managed to take the lead through Balaji S. in the 13th minute and 15 minutes later they added the second when their captain Navin Kheretkar converted from a penalty corner to give the team a 2-0 half time advantage.
However, immediately after the break Navy came roaring back and scored two goals in as many minutes to restore parity. First, Rana Pratap scored from a field effort in the 37th minute and a minute later M.S. Thakur scored the second, which was also a field goal.
The sailors continued to exerted pressure and managed to grab the lead when S.C. Kindo converted a penalty corner in the 50th minute, but Republicans replied back quickly with Akbar Khan scoring the equalizer in the 56th minute.
Navy has four points from two games, while Republicans one from their first game.
Western with one win and a draw have four points, while this was the first point for Union Bank who were beaten by Navy in the opening match.
Custodian Taites, who was outstanding under the Republicans bar and Union Bank’s defender Harjit Singh were named ‘Man-of-the-match’ in their respective matches and both received a cash prize of Rs 1,000 each.
Results: Bombay Republicans 3 (Balaji S. 13th, Navin Kheretkar 28th, Akbar Khan 56t h) drew with Indian Navy 3 (Rana Pratap 37th, M.S. Thakur 38th, S.C. Kindo 50th). Man-of-the-match: Lincoln Taites (Bombay Republicans – goalkeeper).
Western Railway 0 drew with Union Bank of India 0.
Friday schedule: 4.00 pm, Central Railway vs Indian Na