Debutants Bombay Republicans dished out another gallant display and were unfortunate to concede a goal from a penalty stroke at the death and went down fighting 1-2 to Western Railway in a Super Division match of the MHAL (Mumbai Hockey Association Limited) League – 2016, and played at the MHAL Mahindra Stadium, Churchgate, on Sunday evening.
Western Railway’s Amit Rohidas (right) receives the ‘Man of the match’ award from Olympian Rahul Singh (centre). After his team’s Super League encounter at the MHAL-Mahindra Stadium, Churchgate on Saturday.
The spirited Republicans side took a first half lead through a fine deflection by Vikram Yadav in the 12th minute. However, the formidable Western outfit who struggled against the enterprising youngster managed to restore parity through Manjinder Singh in the 57th minute before they earned a penalty stroke in the final minute and drag flick specialist Amit Rohidas made no mistake in scoring the winner, much to the dismay of the Republicans boys.
The Bombay Republican youngsters, who had held Indian Navy to a 3-3 draw in the last outing, produced a brilliant collective performance. They showed excellent understanding and teamwork and with some fine anticipation and timely tackles they managed to unsettle and break the rhythm of their senior and experienced opponents. Seasoned defender Conroy Remedios combined perfectly with skipper Kartik Sharma, Navin Khertkar and Govind Rawat to form a compact defence line and did not give the Western forwards much room to maneuver inside their territory. The midfielders Vikram Yadav, Moses Pullanthara, Vikram Singh and Tikaram Thakulla were the ideal linkmen as they supported the defence and also created openings for the forwards
The republicans attack line also showed plenty of promise and made a number of raids at the rival goal to keep the Western defenders on their toes. They forced four short corners in the opening session and did well to convert the third from a clever drill. Navin Khertkar flicked the ball towards the left post and Yadav with a deft touch directed the ball to the far corner of the net.
The railwaymen pressed hard after the breather and made a couple of foray towards the Republicans goal but all their efforts were thwarted by an alert defence and goalkeeper Lincoln Taites who had a good day in office.
However, Taites was unlucky to concede the equalizing goal. He blocked Manjinder’s attempt but the rebound landed straight to the attacker who tapped home.
Just at the match seemed to be heading for a draw, Western earned ‘stroke’ after Rajat Sharma was stick-checked inside the striking circle and umpire P.L. Murugappan promptly awarded the penalty stroke. Rohidas beat Taites with a firm push to the roof of the net.
In the second game, Central Secretariat outplayed Union Bank of India 9-3 with Hasan Basha scoring three goals, while Rajesh Ellan, Jayesh Jadhav, Felix Ba, Thimanna P.L., B. Vinayak and Nilesh K. all scoring one apiece to complete the winning tally. Union Bank scored through Harjit Singh, Navneet Swarnkar and Anurah Sharma.
Western Railway’s Rohidas and Central Secretariat’s Basha won the ‘Man of the match’ awards in their respective matches and both were presented with cash awards of Rs 1,000 each.
Results: Western Railway (Manjinder Singh 57th, Amit Rohidas – PS 70th) beat Bombay Republicans 1(Vikram Yadav 12th). Man-of-the-match: Amit Rohidas (Western Railway).
Central Secretariat 9 (Hasan Basha 8th, 9th, 68th, Rajesh Ellan 9th, Jayesh Jadhav 30th, Felix Ba 49th, Thimanna P.L. 60th, B. Vinayak 61st, Nilesh K 67th) beat Union Bank of India 3 (Harjit Singh 39th, Navneet Swarnkar 55th, Anurah Sharma 70th). Man-of-the-match: Hasan Basha (Central Secretariat).
Monday schedule:
2.30 pm, Indian Navy vs Abhi Foundation.
4.00 pm, Central Railway vs Western Railway.