The Hindu : Sport / Hockey : Adnan Maqsood does the trick for Maratha Warriors

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Thursday, Feb 01, 2007
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Adnan Maqsood does the trick for Maratha Warriors

S. Thyagarajan

MIDFIELD ACTION: Viren Resquinha (right) of Maratha Warriors and Chennai Veerans's Somanna vie for the ball. — Photo: V. Ganesan

Chennai: Chennai Veerans frittered away the 1-0 advantage seconds before the end of the regulation time and eventually went down to Maratha Warriors by the odd goal in three in the Premier Hockey League which resumed on Wednesday after a brief break.

While Pramod Kumar slotted an early goal for Chennai Veerans, Mahadik scored from a penalty stroke, and Pakistan's Adnan Maqsood tapped in the silver goal to give Maratha Warriors a morale-boosting win.

It is a pity that the tempo failed to go up despite the brisk exchanges that initially suggested an absorbing contest.

Actually it was the Warriors, which had the initiative; but progressively the Veerans gained edge.

If the combination of Shivendra Singh and Mahadik had succeeded early on the script would have been different altogether.

Raja and Casas

Expectedly, Raja was the cynosure in the Chennai Veerans' attack. An accomplished dribbler, Raja swayed his way through repeatedly. His main ally was the Spaniard, Albert Casas. However, the latter was not allowed enough space. Ajmere Singh followed the hard working Spaniard like a sentinel although not always was his approach beyond reproach.

Still it was the combined effort of Raja and Casas that facilitated Chennai Veerans' goal. A fine bout of passing between the two caught the haphazard Warriors' defence off guard. After moving into the circle both had a chance but Adrian D'Souza succeeded in saving the shots. But the scrimmage that ensued afforded a chance to Pramod Kumar who flicked in amidst spontaneous cheers from the supporters of Chennai Veerans.

The hard working Warriors' mid-field headed by the seasoned Viren Resquinha managed to create space for the frontline which showed neither efficiency nor enterprise. However, the Warriors earned two penalty corners that were smartly saved by Shreejesh.

Yellow card

A yellow card for Shivendra in the third quarter diminished what little sharpness the Warriors attack showed. The Veerans had a splendid chance to enhance the lead when Adam Sinclair broke through delectably but Pawal Lakra who followed him failed to beat Adrian. There was a melee in front of the goal leading neck sprain to Adrian who had to be replaced by Gurpreet Singh.

Just as everything going smoothly in favour of Chennai Veerans, the equaliser surfaced when Shivendra was obstructed by Raghunath. Umpire Vir Bahadur showed no hint of hesitation in showing the spot. Mahadik converted.

Palpable intensity

In extra-time, there was a palpable intensity for the silver goal. A harsh tackle by Raghunath on Viren resulted in a yellow card suspension for the former. Even as one was visualising another golden goal end, came the match winner from Adnan Maqsood in a penalty corner exercise.

Maratha Warriors gained two points to take its tally to seven out of five while Chennai Veerans earned a point to aggregate 10 from the same number of matches.

The result: Maratha Warriors 2 (Mahadik, Adnan Maqsood) beat Chennai Veerans 1 (Pramod Kumar). MoM: Mahadik.

Thursday's match: Bangalore Lions v Orissa Steelers (7 p.m.).

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