YMCA Nandanam takes the honours

SPORTS REPORTER

YMCA Nandanam claimed the Syed Ahmed memorial city schools hockey title, defeating St. Paul’s ‘A’ 6-5 on penalties after the teams were tied 1-1 at the end of regulation time.

The match was off to a brisk start with three penalty corners being awarded within the first five minutes of play. YMCA converted the first of these, in the second minute, when Balachandran directed the loose ball into the net to put his side up 1-0.

Though St. Paul’s had an immediate chance to get level via the second penalty corner a minute later, the chance went abegging as the ball came back off the frame of the goal. The first half did not witness further goals, though Hariharan, Balachandran and Sivaguru impressed for YMCA.

St. Paul’s started the second half with a lot more intent, but found it difficult to convert any of their half chances. Skipper Surender frequently dribbled the ball upfield, and in the dying minutes lashed home the equaliser, which came via the side’s ninth penalty corner of the game. Surender however marred his evening by getting red-carded soon after.

With the match going to penalties, YMCA missed its fourth shot while St. Paul’s missed its second and then crucially, its seventh. When Hariharan converted for YMCA on its turn, the title was decided.

Surender of St. Paul’s was declared the player of the tournament. Olympian and Arjuna Awardee Jude Felix Sebastian gave away the prizes to the winners.

The results (final): YMCA Nandanam 1 (Balachandran) drew with St. Paul’s ‘A’ 1 (Surender). YMCA won 6-5 on penalties.

Semifinals: YMCA 5 (Hariharan 1, Sivaguru 2, Ranesh, Balachander) bt Wesley 1 (Manikandan); St. Paul’s ‘A’ 1 (Surender) bt Madrasa-e-Azam 0.