Customs survive RCF attack

Mumbai: It was back-to-back matches for Mumbai Customs in the Mumbai Hockey League. They suffered a big loss against Air India (7-1) on Wednesday and couldn’t afford to lose again. With just 12 fit players, Customs manager Mukul Pandey knew he couldn’t do much.

“I told the boys to go out there and do their best. My only request to them was, ‘Please don’t get injured.’ They didn’t let me down,’’ he said, after his side beat RCF 3-2 in a Super Division tie at Mahindra Stadium on Thursday.

RCF struck first through Victo Singh in the 10th minute. Customs equalised through Chinglen Sana in the 30th, but Stanley Fernandes and Sana scored after the break. RCF only managed to reduce the margin through M Murthy. TNN

MNS threat hits MC hard

Raj Thackeray’s threat against North Indians has, among others, affected Mumbai Customs badly. Suddenly, they are struggling to put up a team at the ongoing Mumbai Hockey League. “Thanks to Raj saheb’s threats, six of our players from UP, are scared to return. Because of the break in the league, they had gone home for Diwali. They are all SAI Lucknow trainees. We are trying to persuade them. Till then, we have to somehow manage,’’ said Customs manager Mukul Pandey. TNN