Bangalore: Sports Authority of India Training Centre (STC) Bangalore came up with a commendable all-round effort to swamp STC Secunderabad 9-3 and retain the SAI south zone inter-hostel hockey title here on Saturday.
Bangalore went 2-0 ahead in quick time as Vineet Michael (3rd) and Nithin Thimmaiah (4th) ended two swift moves from the left on a successful note.
Bean pole Thimmaiah was excellent throughout the match with his elegant dribbles and quick passes as he combined with captain Nilesh K A to make life miserable for Secunderabad defenders.
In the 14th minute, Bangalore got their first penalty corner and drag-flicker Deepak Bijwad slotted one in to the top left of the goal to make it 3-0.
Secunderabad raised hopes of a revival through a Durga Prasad goal in the very next minute. An intense midfield tussle followed with Secunderabad impressing with occasional raids but Bangalore defence trio of Bidwaj, Ponnanna K B and Cariappa K D was equal to the task.
Two minutes from the breather, Somanna entered the rival half through the left channel and passed on to Nilesh, who dodged past three players to score from a narrow angle. Bangalore tightened the screws in the second session with a series of fast raids. Bijwad doubled his tally in the 42nd minute with another penalty corner conversion past rival custodian Ayyappa Reddy M, this time with a low hit to the left of the goal.
Another penalty corner came Bangalore’s way in the next minute and in the absence of diminutive Bidwaj, temporarily out with a cut in the head, Nilesh attempted a variation and Michael converted the setpiece to complete his double (6-1). Then, Nilesh produced another stunning run to slot the seventh goal (45th).
Sandeep Raju S (63rd) converted a penalty corner to put one back for Secunderabad but that was hardly a relief for the visitors.
Thimmaiah (64th) and Ramesh H T (69th) added to the swollen Bangalore kitty to gain a seven-goal lead though Sandeep struck a last-minute goal for Secunderabad to reduce the arrears. As rain started pelting down just after the final whistle, Bangalore boys indulged in a huddle dance and on a day when almost everything went according to their wishes, the celebration was worthwhile.