Rajesh Pillay Academy, Green Meadows register wins

Rajesh Pillay Academy (RPA) defeated Shiloh Sports Club 4-1 in the All-India Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Memorial Hockey Tournament at the Ammunition Factory ground in Khadki on Saturday.

It was Shiloh’s Sunil Kerkatta, who drew first blood in the 18th minute of the match after getting a pass from Surjit Khiro. But their joy didn’t last long, as Pillay Academy bounced back to equalise with Sangram Chowgule’s goal off a penalty corner in the 29th minute.

Shiloh boys tried hard to get the lead once again, but before they could even attempt for one, Vijay Singh shot one more through another penalty corner just two minutes.

To make the matter worse, Pillay Academy boys got one more penalty stroke in the 36th minute, which was converted comfortably by Nachiket. Akash Pawar smashed another goal to sum up the tally.

In the second match, Green Meadows defeated Chikhalwadi Young Boys 4-1 via tiebreaker.

Chikalwadi got the lead in the 30th minute, when Vishal Puttol scored the first goal of the match. But seven minutes later, Atul Kalate pulled out the equaliser for Green Meadows through a penalty stroke.

After levelling the scores, both the teams struggled to attack and the match headed towards the tiebreaker. Randip Bhatti, Mahesh Benadiwal, Atul Kalate and Ganesh Nagawade were successful in their strokes for Green Meadows. From Chikalwadi, apart from Sachin Kamble, no other player could convert their chance.