Times of India: Salame hat-trick helps Bhartia Aqua post big win in VHA League

Suhas Nayse

NAGPUR: A brilliant hat-trick by Hritik Salame propelled Bhartia Aqua to a thumping 9-1 victory against United Blues in the ongoing VHA-MOIL Senior Division Hockey League, organized by Vidarbha Hockey Association, at the VHA ground here on Monday.

One of the most formidable teams in the league Bhartia Aqua got off to a flying start. In the very second minute, Salame opened his and team’s account which put their opponents on the backfoot straightway.

In the 10th minute, Mohammad Azam sounded the board to increase the lead to 2-0. Salame once again found the target in the 16th minute to consolidate Bhartia Aqua’s position.

Few moments later, Pravin Waghmare increased the margin. Hard-working forward Salame completed his hat-trick by slamming his third goal in the 35th minute.

Soon after the change of ends, Abhishek Paswan continued the onslaught to make it 6-0. The seventh goal for Bhartia Aqua came through Waghmare in the 39th minute. In the 41st minute, Azam hammered his second goal. The only goal for the rivals United Blues came in the 44th minute through Sunil Gupta. In the 54th minute, Paswan struck his second goal to complete the rout. United Blues got some very good chances in the second half but poor finishing inside the striking circle undid their efforts.

On Tuesday, MAL Azad Sports Academy will take on Vimal Sporting Club at 4 pm at the same venue.