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Indian Bank triumphs as Customs holds SAI

Special Correspondent

— Photo: R. Ragu

DELIGHTED: The Indian Bank team which won the CFA senior division league.

CHENNAI: Chennai Customs scored the equaliser against SAI five minutes from the end, and the outcome helped Indian Bank crown itself with glory in the CFA senior division league at the Nehru stadium on Monday.

Indian Bank had completed its engagements on Saturday with 21 points. Only SAI had the chance of surpassing Indian Bank and denying it the title. But then SAI, which was on 10 points, needed to win all its remaining four matches for that.

Till the 75th minute, SAI had looked like prolonging Indian Bank’s agony. Then came the snap try by D. Kumar into a crowded SAI defence. The ball eluded all to take the far post and bounce into the cage.

SAI had itself to blame for the fiasco after taking the lead early in the first half through a wonderful right-footer by Suryakumar after Elamurugan had sent the cross from the left wing. Then SAI took the unwise step of defending the slender advantage rather than continuing with its aggressive play.

With each passing minute the Customs’ defence strengthened and the arrival of A. Samuel 10 minutes from the final whistle added psychological pressure on the SAI players. Kumar scored his goal during this time. With one more match to go, Customs’ tally went to 14 and SAI’s to 11.

Earlier in the first division, DBYC Annai Youth edged Challenger Union 1-0, Riaz Ahmed scored the winner, and booked a place in the senior division next season.

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