Karnataka downs Mumbai

MUMBAI: Karnataka won the third match of the M.P. Ganesh-Balbir Singh Grewal Trophy hockey series, defeating Mumbai 3-2 at the Mahindra stadium on Monday.

Three matches were played at Mumbai, now both teams travel to Coorg for remaining three matches as part of the home & away series for juniors. A squad of 18 players will be chosen for an exposure tour to Europe.

Mumbai had won the first two games, but found itself at the receiving end. Karnataka strikers Nitin Thimmiaiah’s crisp shot from the left went in off Mumbai goalkeeper Abhijit Kadam’s pad for the first goal (34th minute).

The visitors struck two more goals in the second half, Mudappa’s minus pass from left side of the goalline was guided home by Nikin Thimmaiah (39th minute).

Nikin combined with brother Nitin to sound the board with a reverse hit into the far corner (42nd minute).

The home team went all out in search of goals, reduced the margin via a penalty stroke conversion by Sandeep Singh (53rd) and Niyas Rahim squeezed a shot past Karnataka keeper Jagdeep for the second.

Jagdeep had a outstanding display under the bar and earned the ‘best player’ award. Mumbai lead 2-1 at half-way mark. — Special Correspondent