29-Sep-2024 10:26 PM
8412
Chennai, Sep 29 (Reporter) Defending champions Indian Railways (RSPB) got the better of Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) 5-3 in the summit clash to retain the title in the 95th All-India MCC-Murugappa Gold Cup Hockey Tournament here on Sunday night.
It was expected to be a close contest but Railways almost ensured it was not one.
From the outset, RSPB displayed aggressive intent. Gursahibjit Singh opened the scoring early in
the 7th minute with a well-executed penalty corner. Just two minutes later, Simranjot Singh doubled the lead with a skillful finish from open play, putting RSPB firmly in control.
Yuvraj Walmiki further increased RSPB's advantage with two crucial goals—one in the 18th minute, and another in the 58th minute that sealed the match.
IOC launched a fightback in the 23rd minute when Talwinder Singh beat the Railways custodian to reduce the margin. Gujinder Singh capitalized on a penalty corner in the 29th minute to bring the score to 3-2, making it a tight match.
As the game progressed, Rajbir Singh added to IOC's tally in the 58th minute, but it was too late as RSPB held the lead firm for the win.
Results:
Finals:
RSPB-Railways (RSPB) 5 (Gursahibjit Singh (07) Simranjot Singh (09), Yuvraj Walmiki (18)(58), Mukul Sharma (35)) beats India Oil Corporation Ltd 3 (Talwinder Singh (23), Gujinder Singh (29), Rajbir Singh (58))...////...