Third Dhamal Series: Saket wins today to level the exciting Series,
Trailing by a match, Saket Govt Boys senior Secondary school won the second contest 3-1 to level the exciting series 1-1. The fate of the third edition of the Series between the two Non Governmental organizations – Delhi based One Thousand Hockey Legs and Rajasthan based Hockey Village India – will be decided tomorrow when the third and last test match will be played tomorrow at today’s victor’s home ground.
Playing against the full school crowd, Saket scored a last minute goals to add up to the slender 2-1 half time lead today as if to avenge 0-2 loss of the series opener on Sunday.
Dhamal Series between OTHL and Hockey Village India is a much awaited annual contest, which always evoked keen interest in these two organizations.
The event normally held in the first week of July has this time been held a month later, due to various factors including non-availability of turf.
Due to cumbersome procedure involved in getting either Shivaji Stadium or National stadium in Delhi, the series this time was held on the natural grass ground of Saket school, where the OTHL has just installed goal frame, and levelled the ground with heavy machinery.
This however did not dampen the spirit of the team, which showed enormous fighting qualities.
Yesterday, well co-ordinated visitors easily overcame the hosts with a goal apiece in each session. Today of course was different.
Though it was the visitors who took the lead, good defence later by Sushil Chauhan and Pawan, aided with immaculate central role by brothers Sonu and Vikrant, helped the hosts turn the tide. Fed by Sushil from deep inside rival’s area, Pawan, who just swifted to forward position for a change, struck. Then hard-working Nigam struck a brace.
The match was witnessed by the whole school crowd, which created a festival atmosphere virtually.