Two brilliant goals by the host team Chandigarh Dynamos, scored apiece in second and last quarters, enlivened the holiday crowd here in the fourth day of the PHL 2006. Playing against the packed stadium, which went full throat behind the home team, the Dynomos turned dynamites for the last year silver medallist Sher-e- Punjab. The star studded Shers struggled against the youthful Dynamos for which their captain Rajpal Singh symbolished the energy and enterprise. Quite expectedly he scored a goal and was behind the first goal too. The 0-2 loss of Shers are their second in as many as matches.
Energetic and ebullient forward Deepak Thakur set the Sector 42 turf on fire with his quick silver goal midway through second quarter. There were many attempts from Shers to nullify that, but their striker Gagan Ajit continued to have his poor form, neither left winger Prabhjot Singh nor inside forward Baljit Singh Dhillon, however good their efforts were, could not bear fruit.
A brilliant ball centred from right was timely intercepted by KL World Cup 2002 player Sukhbir Singh Gill, who gave his heart out today in thwarting many a rivals’ move. Md. Saqlain’s prompting at midfield was matched often by his country-mate Mudassar Ali, who developed a knack of being present at right place to steal moves. In a rare sight, most of the imported talented spent
Tactically, Punjab attacked often from their right, and could post many centers, but Sukhbir Gill, Imran Khan, and others covering the area did a tremendous job of keeping their rivals at bay.
In a move that can be categorized hockey’s quintessential beauty, the Dynamos surged from left in a co-ordinated move that ended a parallel pass getting on to the guile hands of Rajpal Singh, who did the rest. Then threw his hands open in his characteristic style. An image that would etch in the minds of those who happened to witness the moment forever in the minds.
Another very cold evening, but a goody 15,000 crowd and a matching dish from the turf. Something good is happening at hockey front at last.