SRPF face Chhota Nagpur in SF

Nagpur: Four goals in last ten minutes helped Chhota Nagpur down Anugrah Sporting 5-1 to clinch the fourth and last semifinal spot in the VHA ‘B’ Division Hockey League at Hislop College ground on Thursday.

It was a spectacular last-ditch effort by Chhota Nagpur boys, particularly from their twin strikers Jiwandan Majhi and Pradeep Tirkey, to quell the spirited challenge from Anugrah.

Anugrah started well and were leading till half time but somehow they failed to keep the Chhota Nagpur forwards at bay especially in the last few minutes of the game. Jude Anthony put Anugrah ahead in the 18th minute with a brilliant field goal.

The second half brought luck for Chhota Nagpur as immediately after the change of ends, Jiwandan Majhi restored parity with a rasping drive which beat diving Anugrah goalkeeper Rohit Sahu all ends up. The in-form striker then added two more goals to shatter the hopes of Anugrah. Skipper Pradeep Tirkey also slammed a brace to swell the tally.

In the semifinal, Chhota Nagpur will now take on State Reserve Police Force, who thrashed Bhartia Aqua Academy 5-0. Captain Nilesh Chatap scored twice, while Ritesh Harne, Rahul Mehkare and Badal Gaidhane chipped in with a goal each for the cops.

In another one-sided quarterfinal, Pragmatic blanked out Orange Sporting Club 4-0. Amir Sheikh emerged as the hero for the winners with a superb brace.

However, Young Police Boys struggled to beat Ajni Sporting Club 1-0. Shahbaz Khan converted the penalty corner in the 24th minute. TNN