Sport - Hockey

S. Rly. ‘A’ begins on a winning note

Chennai: Southern Railway ‘A’ began its quest to regain the Rajaram Memorial Shield with a 3-1 victory over Sports Authority of India ‘B’ in the MIOT-CHA senior division super league hockey championship at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium on Friday. Southern Railway led 2-0 at half-time.

It was a tougher contest that the margin suggests. Southern Railway simply could not let things drift after netting two goals before the breather, both coming from Arumugam — the first from a penalty corner and other a field goal effort.

If Southern Railway had planned to defend the margin it did not work out that way. The SAI boys pressured the rival defence.

Kalidoss and Vinod Rayar made frequent inroads into the rival area and only the agile work of goalkeeper Suresh kept danger out of harms way, but not for a long time. SAI struck and this was an immaculate penalty corner by Raja.

The contest then intensified with SAI sensing a chance to level the scores. Prompted well by Ramesh Kanna from the midfield, the SAI attack was all over.

But a sparkling sally initiated by Diwakar was provided the finish touches by Vijees, whose goal established a two-goal lead.

Earlier, Integral Coach Factory scored a 2-1 victory over SAI ‘A’ after a goalless first-half.

Vivek Ramakrishna put SAI ahead midway through the second and Vivek levelled for ICF. One minute from the final whistle, Rajendran obtained the match-winner.

© Copyright 2000 - 2009 The Hindu