Chandigarh’s journey to hockey final cut short

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, October 28

Hockey Haryana will face hosts Hockey Jharkhand in the final match at the 11th Hockey India Junior Women National Championship in Simdega on October 29.

In the first semi-finals, Hockey Haryana defeated Hockey Chandigarh in a close match where both teams lived up to the billing with the match going down to the wire. While it was Hockey Haryana who got off the blocks on an attacking note with Neelam scoring the first goal from a penalty corner in the 2nd minute, Preeti extended their lead to 2-0 in the 21st minute. The second quarter, however, belonged to Hockey Chandigarh who scored two back-to-back goals to equalise the score. Kavita scored in the 26th minute and Arti Kashyap struck a splendid field goal in the 30th minute to level the scores before going into the half-time break. Both teams returned from the break to defend their score line with all their heart as the third quarter remained goalless.

While both teams did well in the last quarter to keep their score intact, a small defensive error by Hockey Chandigarh gave away a crucial penalty corner in the 54th minute that was brilliantly converted by Neelam who ensured Hockey Haryana were through to the final.

In the second semis, hosts Hockey Jharkhand rode on the home advantage as they registered a fantastic (3-1) win against Hockey Maharashtra. The hosts came up with a good show in all departments to ensure they saw their team in the final.