Chandigarh XI go down fighting

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, September 9

DAV School, Shahabad, overcame Chandigarh XI in a closely contested semifinal match to set up the title clash with Surjit Hockey Academy, Jalandhar, in the 16th SN Vohra Memorial Sub-Junior Hockey Tournament here today.  

Playing at the Sector 42 Sports Complex, city boys lost 2-3 to their Shahbad counterparts to make an exit from the tournament.  

Chadigarh XI had a good begging as Raman successfully converted the penalty corner in the 17th minute of the game to provide hosts a 1-0 lead. However, the side could not hold the lead for long as DAV boys drew level just six minutes later — Arshdeep converting penalty corner for the visitors in the 23rd minute. 

Just before the break, the visitors pulled off another goal to end the first half on a high — Lovepreet’s reverse flick finding the right corner of the Chandigarh XI goalpost.  

After the break, both sides came out aggressively, making regular forays into each others’ territory. The city boys finally succeeded to restore parity when  Raman struck again in the 44th minute. 

With the scores level at 2-2 and both teams maintaining a high tempo, it seemed that the match might be decided on penalties. However, a solo effort by Karnabir in the 56th minute proved detrimental for the hosts. 

The visitors maintained the slender lead for the remaining part of the match to ensure a 3-2 win and a place in the final. Jalandhar boys unstoppable.  

In the second semifinal, Surjit Hockey Academy, Jalandhar, overwhelmed MSS Hockey Academy, Gazipur, 6-2. Jalandhar boys opened their account through Prabhjit in the 7th minute and 11 minutes later, Harmanpreet doubled the lead. With their tails up, Surjit Academy maintained the possession and Dilraj extended the tally to 4-0 with back to back goals (33rd and 34th minute). Harmanpreet then struck for the side in the 39th minute to end the opening half at 5-0.  Almost assured of a place in the final, Jalandhar boys paid for their complacency as the Gazipur outfit reduced the deficit to 2-5 with strikes from Rahul (51st minute) and Ajit (63rd minute). 

The sudden jolt, however, forced Jalandhar boys to pull their socks and the side was once again at its aggressive best as Dilraj scored another goal in the dying minutes to end the match 6-2 in favour of Surjit Academy.