The Hindu : Sport : Seniors rout Juniors

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Aug 15, 2006

Sport

Sport

Seniors rout Juniors

S. Thyagarajan

Meet Development Squad in the final

IMPRESSIVE STRIKER: Shivendra Singh (left) of Indian Seniors, who scored a hat-trick, struck some powerful drives. — Photo: R. Ragu

Chennai: There was a noticeable ease and elegance in the victory for the Indian Seniors, even if the opposition proved innocuous, in the Independence Cup hockey tournament at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium on Monday.

The 10-0 verdict against the Juniors was definitely flattering, but the match just appeared to be a nice target practice for the Seniors.

Striker Shivendra Singh made full use of the opportunity and his hat-trick could well be described as the highlight. It was heart-warming to witness a forward stunning the goalkeeper with a gentle twist of the stick, directing powerfully executed drives into the net. All the three shots bore the stamp of ingenuity.

Tejbir impresses again

Tejbir Singh produced another impressive performance, both as a shooter and schemer. His astute forward pass to push Rajpal Singh into the scoring zone was striking.

Tejbir also helped himself to a goal from an indirect conversion off a penalty corner. Gagan Ajit Singh was encouraged to play a more spirited role in the attack, prompted probably by his first minute strike.

The defence was never tested by the sporadic attacks of the Juniors, for whom the lone worker was Sunil. Two penalty corners late in the match raised some visions of a goal but nothing materialised. With nine points from three wins, the Seniors will take on the Development squad in the final on August 16.

Over elaboration

Over elaboration cost the Development squad a more impressive victory than the 3-0 it eventually accomplished against Tamil Nadu.

The squad had to rely on the penalty corner skills of Raghunath.

Unlike on Sunday, Raghunath was on target twice; the second one flew into the top of the net like flash. There was one field goal from Birendra Lakra who latched on to the cross from the right to slot in, after fumbling initially.

Tamil Nadu forced six penalty corners.The Seniors finished on top of the table with nine points, followed by the Development team (six points from two wins), Tamil Nadu (three points from one win) and Juniors (nil points).

Tuesday is a rest day.

The results: Development Squad 3 (Raghunath 2, Birendra Lakra) bt TN XI 0; India Seniors 10 (Shivendra Singh 3, Gagan Ajit Singh 2, Sandeep Singh, Rajpal Singh, Kanwalpreet Singh, Tejbir Singh, Viren Rasquinha) bt India Juniors 0.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Sport