The Hindu : Sport : Railways, Haryana share title

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Jul 12, 2005

Sport

Sport

Railways, Haryana share title

Kirti Patil

JOY KNOWS NO BOUNDS: Haryana skipper Simarjeet (left) and Railways captain Sumrai Tete kiss the trophy after being adjudged the joint winners. — Photo: Sandeep Saxena

NEW DELHI: Railways and Haryana shared the National women's hockey title after the technical bench took the unprecedented decision of scrapping the extra-time on Monday. The two teams were locked 1-1 at the end of the regulation time, but with tempers flaring with each tackle, the technical bench feared the worst and called the game off.

The 19-time champion, Railways, was made to share the trophy, and after a toss up, Haryana got to keep the silverware for the first six months.

For the entire stretch of 70 minutes, the umpires were busy pulling out cards. Nine players were booked and it was a bad advertisement for the sport, especially the sight of umpires being influenced by whoever argued and protested in the most vehement manner.

Railways was up to the task with the strikers Mamta Kharab and Jyoti Sunita Kullu combining from the left and centre. Mamta's one-handed run from the Railways' half to the scoring area was remarkable.

Effective marking

But, before she could actually get going, the Haryana girls marked her effectively. Forward Sarvjeet and then substitute Harpreet kept a close vigil on Mamta's movements, virtually rendering the Railways striker ineffective.

Yet, Railways attacked with aplomb, securing three penalty corners in succession after Saba Anjum was fouled in the circle. Railways failed to convert any as Haryana goalkeeper Rajni Bala brought off a few smart saves.

Railways was reduced to nine players in the 29th minute with skipper Sumrai Tete and Saba Anjum being shown the yellow cards.Haryana, however, failed to derive any advantage and the teams went for the break without a goal on the board.

On changing ends, Haryana played rough forcing the umpire to give temporary suspensions to Harpreet and then to Sarvjeet. Playing with nine players, Haryana struggled under mounting pressure.

In the 47th minute, Jyoti had a clear sight of the goal but the goalkeeper pushed her and the umpire rightly pointed to the spot.

This enraged Haryana and the entire team walked out in protest. After some pacifying by the technical bench, the match resumed and Masira Surin put Railways 1-0 up.

The lead was soon nullified when Haryana converted the fourth penalty corner through a firm shot from Sandeep Kaur, in the 52nd minute.

As the teams finished 1-1 at the end of 70 minutes, there was a brief deliberation and the technical bench decided to halt the match. Apparently, Haryana protested about fading light and their plea was upheld.

Earlier, in the play-off for the third place, Jharkhand surprised Mumbai 1-0. In a match between two equals, after over 50 barren minutes, India striker Sarita Lakra struck home the winning goal.

Mumbai, which earned seven penalty corners, faltered in the face of strong defence put up by Sejeng Soy, Anita Sawasi and Manjula Tete.

The results:

Final: Railways 1 (Masira Surin 47th) drew with Haryana 1 (Sandeep Kaur 52nd).

Play-off for third place: Jharkhand 1 (Sarita Lakra 56th) bt Mumbai 0.

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