Army XI emerge champs in Guru Tegh Bahadur Gold Cup

TNN

MUMBAI: Army XI came up with a good second half showing to overcome a cagey South Central Railway by a narrow 2-1 margin in the final of the 10th PMC Bank-Guru Tegh Bahadur Gold Cup All India Hockey Tournament, at the MHAL stadium, Churchgate, on Sunday.

SCR cleverly played at a slow pace against the fitter armymen. That ploy completely upset the rhythm of the Army side, who prefer to play a fast attacking game.

Having set their plan in motion, the railwaymen then went on to rock the Army citadel when their wiry midfielder Raju Pal, who has played consistently well through the tournament, set up B Horo with a brilliant through pass.

The latter from the edge of the striking circle slapped the ball home.

Thereafter Army regrouped and tried hard to force the equaliser. But their attempts were foiled by goalkeeper Sushant Tirkey who made quite a number of saves.

However, soon after resumption the Army team found the equaliser through Bhengra.

Having tasted success, Army XI continued to search for another goal and their efforts were rewarded in the 60th minute.

Tenison Singh on the right side of the striking circle intercepted a weak defensive clearance and coolly sounded the board with a not-too-powerful reverse shot to give Army a 2-1 lead.