WSH: Cheetahs too fast for Strykers

By Tushar Dutt

After two consecutive defeats, against Karnataka Lions and Bhopal Badshahs, Chennai Cheetahs bounced back to hand Pune Strykers a 3-1 defeat in their World Series Hockey match at Major Dhyan Chand Stadium here on Thursday.

The Cheetahs started with an aim to gain three points and they struck the first blowthrough Adam Sinclair. After going one down, the Pune boys made a few attempts near Cheetahs’ goalpost but in vain. In the 29th minute, Cheetahs went two up, when Shyam flicked the ball straight in Pune’s goal after getting a timely pass from Vikash Sharma.

After a poor show in the first half, the Pune boys made an aggressive start after the breather. They started attacking the Cheetahs’ defence and in the process, got a penalty corner in the 36th minute. Simrandeep Randhawa took the strike, but his shot was blocked easily by Cheetah’s goalie Santosh Chinthakunta. As he blocked the ball, it went straight to Pune’s Roshan Minz. Minz did not waste time and hit a hard stroke, which went in the goal after getting deflected from penalty saver Pillay’s stick. Though Pune reduced the margin, they ran out of steam after the goal. Cheetahs’ got a penalty corner in the 69th minute, which was converted by Imran Warsi, to take his side 3-1.

In other match, Delhi Wizards beat Bhopal Badshahs 3-1.