Namdhari in quarters after a dramatic draw
champions Railway Sports Promotion Board continued their winning streak even on Tuesday, beating Services Sports Control Board 4-2 to make it to the quarterfinals of the 7th Senior National Hockey Championship 2017 (Men) ‘A’ Division here on Tuesday.
But the day’s best show came from the sticks of Namdhari XI, which split points with hosts and former runners-up Uttar Pradesh Hockey by playing a 5-5 draw to qualify also for the quarterfinals.
Playing true to their reputation in Pool A, RSPB dominated the match through goals by Ajmer Singh (11th), Affan Yousuf (24th), Raju Pal (53rd) and Sheshe Gowda (57th).
It was a big boost to the Namdhari XI ahead of the quarterfinals. Captain Harwinder Singh excelled, netting in the sixth, 24th, and 58th minute, respectively. Tarun Adhikari, who scored in the 40th and 53rd minutes, remained the star performer for hosts.
In Pool C, Madhya Pradesh Hockey Academy beat Hockey Odisha 4-2. Nikky Kaushal’s three goals gave Madhya Pradesh Hockey Academy their second victory of the tournament.
In Pool D’s opening encounter of the day, Air India Sports Promotion Board beat Association of Indian Universities 5-0. Goals by Shivender Singh (28th), Umar (33rd), Armaan Qureshi (36th, 57th) and Manish Yadav (37th) gave Air India Sports Promotion Board a comfortable three points.
In Pool C, The Mumbai Hockey Association Ltd beat Hockey Patiala 3-0 to enter quarterfinals, virtue of a better goal difference than Madhya Pradesh Hockey Academy. In a must win game, The Mumbai Hockey Association Ltd put on a stellar performance, driven by Rajendra Pawar’s brace and a goal by Manpreet Singh to take all three points.
In Pool B, Comptroller & Auditor General of India beat Hockey Gangpur - Odisha 5-0. Jagroop Singh (fifth), Nithin Thimmaiah (20th, 39th) , Imran Khan (35th) and Naemuddin (51st) scored.
In Pool D Hockey Haryana beat Hockey Karnataka 3-2 in a thrilling encounter. Jagwant Singh, Gagandeep Singh and Jonny Jasrotia scored for Hockey Haryana, whereas Hockey Karnataka tried to rally back through Pruthvi Raj (44th) and AP Siraj (56th), but in vain at the end.