After upsetting defending champions in semis, Orissa school wins Nehru hockey
While Indian hockey goes through a churn, one state in India, Orissa, remains glued to the sport, producing winners across competition. That hockey continues to rule strong there was reaffirmed by Town High School, Sundergarh, when they beat Government Senior Secondary School, Ladowali, Jalandhar 3-1 to win the 29th Nehru hockey boys sub-junior tournament at the Dhyanchand Stadium on Monday.
The win also meant the title returned to Sundergarh after six years — it was Town High that had last won the eventin 2005.
Town High, who had upset favourites and defending champions Birsa Munda Vidyapith, Rourkela 5-1 in the semis, showed no letting up in their tempo and were off to an attacking start. However, concentrating too much on scoring meant they left themselves vulnerable to counterattacks and one such move resulted in Shamsher Singh giving the Jalandhar school the lead, against the run of play in the 14th minute.
But despite the early momentum in their favour with the goal, that was the only time the 2009 champions looked like they were in the game. Stung by the goal, Town High upped the ante, Rajendra Oram leveling scores only five minutes later.
Sundergarh, best known for producing one of the best Indian defenders — Dilip Tirkey — proved they were no pushovers when it came to attacking as well. Ashok Lakra struck home twice — in the 42nd and 61st minutes — to put his team in control, and thereafter it was only a matter of keeping the ball in play and away from their opponents.
In the fight for third spot, Baba Gurmukh Singh Uttam Singh Senior Secondary School, Khadoor Sahib kept the more fancied Birsa Munda at bay throughout the game but faltered towards the end, and the Rourkela boys made full advantage of the same, Rasanand Xalxo putting one past goalkeeper Sukhjinder Singh in the 67th minute for the lone goal of the match.
RESULTS: Town High School, Sundergarh beat Government Senior Secondary School, Ladowali, Jalandhar 3-1. (Third place match) Baba Gurmukh Singh Uttam Singh Sr Sec. School, Khadoor Sahib beat Birsa Munda 1-0