DNA: Pune Strkyers too good for Mumbai Marines

Since the day the team compositions were announced and analysed, experts predicted Pune Strykers to end up being the whipping boys of the inaugural WSH.

The squad did not feature any big name and to add to the woes, their two most recognisable names, Gurwinder Singh Chandi and Diwakar Ram, pulled out — the former succumbing to Hockey India’s diktat while the latter suffered a wrist injury. But Gundeep Singh’s men proved reputation counts for nothing, opening their campaign with a 7-5 win over Mumbai Marines in a thrilling encounter at the Mumbai Hockey Association Stadium here on Thursday.

Not many expected such a scoreline, least of all Mumbai coach Andrew Meredith. The Australian was convinced before the match that his side would come on top despite a 0-5 thrashing against the same opposition in a practice match earlier this week. However, Mumbai looked completely off colour on the night, which is a shame for a team touted to be the title contenders. Their defence, despite boasting the likes of former India captain Prabodh Tirkey, was caught napping on several occasions while captain and goalkeeper Adrian D’Souza proved the selectors right for not picking him in the Indian squad.

Take no credit away from Pune, though. They began on a positive note, taking the game to their opposition and were up by two goals inside 10 minutes.

Earlier in Jalandhar, Sher-E-Punjab beat Chennai Cheetahs 5-2. While Prabhjot Singh hit the backboard twice Mandeep Antil, Harpreet Nagra and Gagan Ajit Singh scored one each for the Shers.