Date:14/09/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/09/14/stories/2008091459621800.htm

Sport - Sports : General

Army ‘A’ retains title

KOLKATA: Army ‘A’ retained the National rugby crown after fighting off a stiff challenge from Chennai Cheetas.

Playing the all-India and South Asia Rugby final at the Calcutta Cricket and Football Club, here on Saturday, the Army side earned a late winner that helped it reach 10-6 and ward off a determined opposition by Chennai Cheetas.

The Chennai side, which finished runner-up to the same side last year in the final played at Mumbai, made a good recovery and managed a one-point lead over the strong army side in the second session.

Tactical game

Playing a good tactical game inspired by its captain Emil Vartazarian, Chennai Cheetas successfully held off the rampaging opposition for the greater part of the second session.

But a late scrum, in the 31st minute of the second session, deep inside the Cheetas’ territory helped Army seal the win with a successful try. — Principal Correspondent