SAI ‘B’ triumphs

MEG, with a goal difference of +3 to SAI’s +6, needed a win and twice neutralised the lead that SAI gained in quick time to be 2-2 at half time.

In the second session captain Monappa put the Sappers ahead off a Samson Fernandes pass. However, Thimmaiah smacked a brilliant reverse hit goal to ensure the teams trooped off on even terms. Both teams will figure in the Super division in the next season.

SAI went into the lead through Ratan Muthanna in the 12th minute. Almost immediately Rabindra Tigga equalised for MEG with an opportunistic strike pushing home a rebound off a Bikshal Bhengra penalty corner drive.

In the 15th minute SAI once again went into the lead this time Darshan neatly converting a penalty stroke after a goalbound hit struck Tigga’s leg and umpire I.A. Khan had no hesitation in pointing to the ‘spot’. But the Sappers hardly wasted any time as veteran Samson Fernandes pushed home from a melee.

Earlier, Maratha Light Infantry (MLI) struck once in each half through Cyprian Aind and Romi Ekka (penalty corner) to claim the third spot ahead of CMP.