Customs start on positive note, end Republicans winning run

MUMBAI: Mumbai Customs launched their campaign on a positive note defeating high-flying Bombay Republicans 4-2 in a Super Division match of the MHAL League 2017-2018, at the MHALMahindra Stadium, Churchgate on Monday. Republicans after three brilliant wins on the trot seemed to be a tired lot and were unable to raise the level of the play and as a result they crashed to their third defeat in six matches. Customs after suffering an early setback when they conceded a goal in the very second minute bounced back in style scoring three goals during the first period to take the upper hand. After Wasim Sohel scored for Republicans in the very second minute, Customs skipper Jayesh Jadav got the equaliser when he sounded the boards three minutes later. Thereafter, Customs continued to hold sway and added two quick goals through Mayur Patil in the 15th minute and Joshua Vessaokar’s penalty corner conversion in the 21st minute to seize a good 3-1 half-time lead. On switching ends, Republicans showed better cohesion and created the better chances and managed to cut the lead when Devinder Walmiki neatly deflected home a cross from the left in the 51st minute. But in the 58th minute Hasan Basha scored for Customs an insurance goal, which helped secure their win. Basha the key in the Customs attack won the ‘Man of the Match’ award and he received a cash award of Rs 1,000. There will be no match on Tuesday. On Wednesday, Western Railway clash with Sports Authority of India at 2.30pm and later in the day Indian Navy take on Mumbai Customs at 4.00pm. Results: Mumbai Customs 4 (Jayesh Jadhav 5th, Mayur Patil 15th, Joshua Vessaokar 21st-pc, Hasan Basha 58th) beat Bombay Republicans 2 (Wasim Sohel 2nd, Devinder Walmiki 51st). MoM: Hasan Basha (Mumbai Customs).