Mumbai Marines’ defence held sway, with Ajmer Singh’s trapping and tackling standing out, in a 2-2 draw against the Delhi Wizards in Bridgestone World Series Hockey 2012 here on Sunday.
Delhi went ahead in the 13th minute via a powerful drag flick by Vikramjeet Singh off the first penalty corner.
Mumbai slogged hard to wrest possession of the ball, and was denied a clear look at goal by the Delhi Wizards defence.
Walmiki strikes
The tide swung when Mumbai earned a penalty corner for local boy and junior international Devender Walmiki to strike with his own trademark flick, gaining momentum by falling sideways in the process of scooping.
Then it was Mumbai’s turn to pull ahead. Sandeep Michael happened to be in the goalmouth at the right time for a lob off a mighty heave from Anup Anthony into an unguarded goal.
Delhi goalkeeper Mrinal Choubey was stranded at the top of the circle, having rushed out to block a first-time crack from Anup.
With three minutes to go for the hooter, Delhi clawed back into the game via another drag flick. Vikramjeet stepped forward to assert his special skill with a confident conversion as three out of the four goals in the tie came from set-pieces off penalty corners.
Shakeel Abassi wore the captain’s armband for the visiting side, assuming playmaking duties while the lanky Sunkel was positioned deep near the Mumbai goal. Rajpal came on as substitute and played a roving striker.
The home team relied on wing backs Prabodh and Devender to initiate moves along the flanks. Sashi Topno, trapping neatly on the move, was a constant threat.
Comets post win
In the earlier match of the day at Pune, Chandigarh Comets raced past Pune Strykers 3-1.
The results: At Mumbai: Mumbai Marines 2 (Devender Walmiki, Sandeep Michael) drew with Delhi Wizards 2 (Vikramjeet Singh 2).
At Pune: Chandigarh Comets 3 (Sukwinder Singh, Gurjinder Singh, Lloyd Stephensonn) bt Pune Strykers 1 (Mario Nicolas Almada).
Monday’s matches: Pune Strykers v Karnataka Lions, Pune, 7 p.m.; Bhopal Badshahs v Chennai Cheetahs, Bhopal, 9 p.m.