VHA ‘B’ DIVISION LEAGUE

VTC keep hopes alive

Nagpur: Abhishek Thakur scored a wonderful goal, punches the air and ran towards his teammates in jubilation as soon as he scored VT Conven’t second goal early in the second half. His joy was understandable as Nagpur Wanderers side was giving a tough fight to them and his team desperately needed a goal to post a win in the VHA ‘B’ Division Hockey League at Hislop College ground on Sunday.

A hard-fought 2-1 win helped VT Convent keep their hopes alive of reaching the quarterfinals. Earlier in the first league outing, they had lost to SRPF and today’s win has certainly boosted their chances. They need to win their third and final game to reach the last eight.

VT Convent started well and took the lead in the 12th minute through Shubham Darunde. Trailing by a goal, Nagpur Wanderers launched several attacks on the rival citadel but poor finishing undid them. Their only success came when Sheikh Sharique pulled one back in the 43rd minute but it was too late for them to make a comeback into the match.

Earlier, Young Police Boys rallied back to down Green City 2-1 and entered the quarters in style. Wasim Sheikh provided the lead to Green City in the 12th minute but Young Police Boys slammed two goals after the change of ends to shatter the hopes of their rivals. Shahbaz Khan and Asif Rahim struck a goal apiece for the Young Police Boys.

Orange City too booked their place in the last eight with a convincing 6-0 win over Central Railway Institute thanks to a brace by Rakesh Katarkar and Shilratna Gawai.

Pragmatic Club continued their dream run with a massive 14-0 win over Andhra Telugu Sporting Club.