West Bengal to meet Cheema Academy in quarterfinals
LUCKNOW:West Bengal defeated Nagaland 3-0 to make it to the quarterfinals of the All India Sub-Junior KD Singh Babu Hockey Tournament, at the Padma Shri Mohd Shahid Stadium here on Wednesday.
West Bengal now play against Cheema Academy (Punjab) in the first quarterfinal on Thursday at 1.00 p.m., whereas Punjab’s Royal academy meet Shahbad (Haryana) in the second quarterfinal at 2.30 p.m.
On Wednesday, in other matches of the day, Yamuna Nagar Hockey crushed Rajasthan Hockey 6-0, whereas Karnal Hockey Academy scored a solitary goal win against Laxmi Ammac Sports. Captain Ratan scored the all important in the 55th minute.
Playing true to their reputation, West Bengal forged into lead as early as in the eighth minute when Arya Nasdkar sounded the board with a quick flick from the right flank (1-0). The goal, however, pressed the panic button for the rivals, who came up with some fine stick work in defence and kept the rivals at bay in the next two quarters. However, the last quarter of the match turned out to be an easy one for the winners as captain Swarendu Barui scored a field goal in the 55th minute to put the side into 2-0 lead, before Shan Sardar converted a penalty corner into goal to complete the formality in the 59th minute (3-0).
The tie between Yamuna Nagar Hockey and Rajasthan Hockey turned out to be a onesided affair as the winners scored goals on regular intervals. Leading from the front captain Manish struck two goals, whereas Nikhil Singh and Yanshu too scoring a brace each.