Date:12/07/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/07/12/stories/2007071261502200.htm

Sport - Football

SAI starts with a win

Special Correspondent

CHENNAI: Though the rains came and delayed proceedings, SAI took the changed turf conditions in its stride to work out a 2-0 win over the Thiruvallur DFA on the opening day of the Vittal Trophy football tournament at the Nehru Stadium on Wednesday.

The strikes came through Elamurugan (69th minute) and substitute Rajesh Kannan (88th).

Play began in bright evening sunny conditions but the contest failed to warm up.

Much of the effort came from SAI boys, in particular Pradeep, who has just returned from the National junior camp.

He kept trying with long range shots but poor direction kept goalkeeper Dhanasekar free of worries.

With Surya Kumar and Elamurugan prowling the Thiruvallar danger area, the setting looked in SAI’s favour. Then came the rain. Play continued before the markings on the field vanished.

Repair work

The half time was prolonged as the organisers arranged for chalk powder for repair work. More than half-hour delay notwithstanding, SAI retained the tempo.

In one flashy run down the right flank, Elamurugan floated the ball from 25 yards and Dhanasekar misjudged the flight to let it go over his head and into the cage for the breakthrough.

Even though Sudhakar played a great role as a medio for Thiruvalluvar, the lack of bite in the front came as disappointment.

SAI ensured victory with Rajesh’s strike after a clever one-two with Elamurugan and a placement that eluded the diving goalkeeper to his right.