Singapore thrashes AP

CHENNAI, AUG. 5. The visiting Singapore team scored at will, to notch up a 10-1 win over lowly Andhra Pradesh, in its second outing in the invitation women's hockey tournament at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium here on Sunday.

It is doubtful if the Australian Technical Director of the team, Brian Glencross could have seen much gain for his girls from this outing, against such a docile opposition, except a good work out for nearly every one in the squad. Such was the way that the players were rotated. The only surprise of the match was not the perfect symmetry that Singapore achieved by scoring five goals in each half but that Andhra pulled one back in the dying seconds of the contest.

Fast in their movements and showing some planning in their approach, the Singapore girls needed just six minutes before opening their account and then the Andhra citadel was virtually yanked open wide. Attacking in strength and falling back with equal alacrity, the visiting team made the Andhra effort look half-hearted almost right through.

Mention has to made of the puny Lilian Chee, the stronger looking Niu Lei and Zhang Jun as also the resourcefulness of Chen Hui Ling as the Singaporean approach revolved around them. Lilian, Chen Hui and Niu Lei scored two goals each with Priscilla Koh, Chu Yue Xiu, Chang Tzeal and Zhang Jun scoring one each. The only one who missed the scorers' list was Li Ying who scooped a penalty stroke try over the bar.

Considering that Andhra was at the receiving end almost right through, it was a moment to rejoicing when Bhargavi was able to tap in Lakshmipriya's long horizontal hit, almost in time for the long whistle. Earlier, Karnataka fresh from its South Zone victory at the expense of host Tamil Nadu, confirmed its superiority once again with a 3-0 win. Poonam Machiah, Sindhu Koppa and V. Muktha scored in that order.

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