SGGS Club stun CRPF, EME scrape past Chandigarh XI

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, October 8

Amandeep Singh scored a brace as Sri Guru Gobind Singh (SGGS) Club stunned All-India Police Games winners Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) 4-3 in a closely contested match on the second day of the 47th SN Vohra’s All-India Gurmit Memorial Hockey Tournament (A Grade) at the Sector 42 Sports Complex here on Monday. 

Amandeep put SGGS Club ahead through a field goal in the fourth minute of the game. He was in the thick of action again in the 19th minute as the side gained a 2-0 lead over the much fancied opponents. 

SGGS boys, though, went defensive after the initial lead and in the process allowed CRPF to make a comeback. In the 30th minute, CRPF striker Wasiullah Khan reduced the deficit with a field goal. 

With their tails up, CRPF men launched back-to-back attacks in the next seven minutes and Khan finally managed to earn the first penalty corner of the match in the 38th minute. The opportunity was successfully converted by Randeep Singh.  

Jolted, SGGS boys tightened the lose ends and instead of playing for possession, the side turned to an attacking game. Their strikers combined well and troubled CRPF’s defence before Sahibjeet Singh put the side back in lead with a stunning field goal in the 47th minute. Five minutes later, Gursewak Singh made it 4-2 in favour of SGGS.

CRPF managed to reduce the margin in the 61st minute — Bikash converting a penalty corner. However, the goal did not deter a resolute SGGS side which defended well in the last few minutes to eke out a 4-3 win.   

City boys bow to EME

In the second match, Indian Army Corps of EME defeated Chandigarh XI 5-3 on penalties after the two side were held 2-2 in the regulation time. 

Tarundeep Singh drew the first blood for Chandigarh XI in the 21st minute, but Rakesh Minz cancelled their advantage with the 35th minute strike for EME. 

Navjot Singh, though, struck in the very next minute to put the local side back in the lead. EME fought hard and restored the parity once again when Biju Singh scored for them in the 58th minute.