Chandigarh XI enter semifinals

Chandigarh, September 8

Chandigarh XI managed to find a place in the semifinals despite playing a 3-3 draw against Malwa School, Ludhiana, in the ongoing 16th Coal India SN Vohra Memorial U-14 Hockey Tournament here today. The side made it to the last-four stage on a better goal average. 

Playing on their home turf, at the Sector 42 Sports Complex, Chandigarh scored through Harjot in the 4th minute to claim lead. 

After early nerves, Malwa School settled to match their opponents as the ball kept rolling from one half to another. The hosts, though, held on to the slender lead to end the first half on a high. 

After the lemon break, the tussle continued as the visitors strived to draw level. But it was Chandigarh, which was successful once again — Toshant scoring through a field goal to give hosts a 2-0 lead in the 50th minute.  

In the very next minute, Harjot sounded the wooden plank to make it 3-0 for the side. 

Just when things were looking good for the hosts, Ludhiana boys reorganised and scored three goals in five minutes to hold Chandigarh to a 3-3 draw.  

Gurtejpal scored the first goal for Ludhiana in the 64th minute, while Manpreet reduced the deficit further with a field goal in the 65th minute. Amritpal came up with a stunner in the dying moments of the game to make it 3-all. — TNS