VHA ‘B’ DIVISION HOCKEY
Young Police two good for Bhartia Aqua
Nagpur: Talented duo Shahbaz Khan and Shrikant Kalakotti combined well to help last year’s semifinalist Young Police Boys register a comfortable 2-0 victory over Bhartia Aqua Academy in the Vidarbha Hockey Association ‘B’ Division Hockey League which began at the Hislop College ground here on Monday.
Making their intentions clear to qualify for the next season’s senior division, Police Boys opened their account through Shahbaz as early as in the 8th minute.
After a fine dribbling and an excellent move initiated by Shrikant Kalakotti from the half line, he gave Shahbaz a superb pass into the goal area who in turn sounded the board from the left flank. The slender lead was maintained by Young Police Boys till half time.
After the change of ends, the young and energetic Police Boys continued their attacking game but some valiant diving saves by Bhartia goalie Mohammad Afzal thwarted their attempts.
However in the 47th minute, another aggressive play by the attacking duo of Shahbaz and Shrikant helped Police Boys stretch the lead.
In a left flank attack, Shahbaz’s took a rasping shot but Mohammad Afzal tried to stop it. However, the rebound was well capitalised by Shrikant to make it 2-0.
Two minutes later, Shrikant had yet another chance but Bhartia Aqua custodian Akhilesh Rajan came up with a fine save, diving to his left.
In a counter attack, Bhartia Aqua skipper Basil Anthony made a futile effort at the Police Boys goal post.