|
|
Army XI defeated Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd by 2-1 in the final of the 85th All-India MCC-Murugappa Gold Cup hockey tournament on Sunday. Veteran Ignace Tirkey scored the winning goal for ArmyXI in the 59th minute.
The other goal for Army XI came from Mansid Bhengra in the 28th minute. The sole goal for BPCL was scored by Amar Aiyamma in the 30th minute which set up the match for a close finish.
Army XI's superior fitness and better organization in the deep defence proved to be decisive factors as BPCL, despite many talent players got it all wrong at the finish where they made too much haste.
The match had a sluggish start with both teams adopting a cautious approach. A few probing moves at either end besides some midfield exchanges marked the first 25 minutes during which Sher Singh and Eliazer Lakra failed to score from close range.
The rival forwards were closely policed and given little scope to make any effective moves. As such, there was little to choose between the teams that appeared well-matched man for man. It needed a goal to elevate the proceedings.
Bhengra lit up the contest with a brilliant reverse hit to goal in the 28th minute after being put through by Ignace Tirkey.
BPCL hit back in style as Aiyamma, with his back to the goal, flicked in a pass from Ravipal Singh, a move that totally shocked goalkeeper P.T. Rao.
BPCL looked more dangerous and threatened to score any moment. The long-striding Aiyamma prompted from the midfield, broke through on a few occasions, but Army’s deep defence stood up well to the onslaughts.
