Tamil Nadu finishes on top of Pool C

By S. Thyagarajan

CHENNAI, DEC. 2. Neither side scored in a lively encounter which formed the final game of Pool C of the National hockey championship for the Rangaswamy Cup at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium here today. But the outcome confirmed the top spot for Tamil Nadu, whose tally went up to 10 against Air India's eight.

A draw was enough for Tamil Nadu to maintain its place at the top of the table. But to accomplish it the team had to endure quite a few anxious moments. If eventually it succeeded in sharing points, a large measure of credit should go to goalkeeper Natarajan. Natarajan brought off a handful of saves that kept Tamil Nadu afloat. Whether it was prudent for Tamil Nadu to shift the emphasis to defence may be debated, but the fact it managed to keep the goal intact must be acknowledged and admired.

Air India dominated the major part of the encounter. Devinder Kumar led the frontline with ardour, utilising the experience and the energy of the mid-fielder Gavin Ferreira. Wing-half Roshan Tate also contributed his mite to the mid-field, while in the deep defence, veteran Anil Aldrin and the seasoned Cornelius D'Costa attracted attention.

Tamil Nadu's sallies lacked cohesion, and consequently the vigour. Senthil on the right flank worked hard along with Cedric D'Cruz. The usually ebullient Prabhakar was ineffective as was the mid-field where even the experienced Thirumalvalavan was unable to do anything constructive. In the early minutes the combination of D'Cruz and Gopinath presented some moments of tension for the Air India defence but goalkeeper Prasad was equal to the task. Close on half-time, Aldrin made a goal-line save off a penalty corner hit by Dinesh Nayak after Senthil had provided him with a crafty pass.

More than once Natarajan was called upon to save the situation for Tamil Nadu, and he did it with relish. Early in the match, he thwarted an attempt by Gavin Ferreira. In the second half he stopped a penalty corner shot by Cornelius D'Costa and immediately saved a backhander from Gavin Ferreira.

Mr. Ashok Vardhan Shetty, Secretary, Chief Minister's Secretariat, and Secretary, Youth Welfare and Sports Development, presided and gave away the prizes.

Table of points (read as played, won, drew, lost, goals for, goals against, points): Tamil Nadu 4, 3, 1, -, 15, 0, 10; Air India 4, 2, 2, -, 16, 2, 8; FCI 4, 2, 1, 1, 11, 8, 7; Madhya Pradesh 4, -, 1, 3, 4, 18, 1; Kerala 4, -, 1, 3, 3, 21, 1.

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : Sport
Previous : Indian Oil, CRPF pull ahead
Next     : PSB is best in Pool B