Shanmugam stars in IOB’s victory

Shanmugam’s brace helped IOB to a winning start at the IOB-CHA senior division hockey league championship, as the side defeated Central Excise 3-2 at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium, here on Monday.

Amardeep Ekka opened the scoring for IOB as early as in the sixth minute after the outfit was awarded a penalty stroke. Ekka stepped up to put IOB on the score sheet with a hard low drive to the ‘keeper’s right. The scores were soon level when Laxman Karan converted a penalty corner for Excise, in what was one of its rare attacking moves of the half.

The first of Shanmugam’s goals arrived in the 24th minute, after some good play down the flanks. Vinod Rayer’s run down the right drew several of the defenders and the ‘keeper toward him and a neat pass to the far post left Shanmugam with a tap in. He then made it 3-1 in the 45th minute, poking home after a scramble in the opposition’s D.

Lifeline

IOB began to run a tiring Central Excise ragged, but a goal against the run of play via Mervin Joy handed the beleaguered side a lifeline.

With just minutes on the clock, Excise’s Laxman Karan saw his reverse flick saved by custodian K.H. Shah as the clock eventually ran out on Excise.

President of Chennai Hockey Association T.S. Panjabakesan presided over the inauguration of the senior division league while R. Arumugam, former Inspector General of Police was the chief guest.

The result: IOB 3 (V. Shanmugam 2, Amardeep Ekka) bt Central Excise 2 (Laxman Karan, Mervin Joy).