Western enters final

CHENNAI: Western Railway’s five-minute bursts on either side of half-time saw the outfit through to the final of the all-India Railway men’s hockey championship at the expense of Eastern Railways.

The 10 minute bursts yielded three goals, with two coming from the stick of the impressive K. Chinlensana. The first half saw both sides unable to perforate the defence of the other and it was only towards the end of the half that the deadlock was broken.

Manish Shahi of Western turned in the ball that was being pinged about the goalmouth to give his side the lead going into the break.

The second half started with Western pressing home their advantage as Chinlensana finished precisely, low to the right. With the clock running down, Eastern had no option but to attack and Chinlensana’s solo run from his own half simply carved it open. With Hardeep Singh waiting for the pull back, goalkeeper Pradeep Singh rushed out to prevent the cross and Chinlensana sneaked in his second, taking advantage of the out of position ‘keeper.

The result: Western Railway 3 (Manish Shahi, K. Chinlensana 2) bt Eastern Railway 0 . — Sports Reporter