Abhishekh strikes as Income Tax wins

PUNE: The day belonged to the Income Tax, Pune boys as they defeated Vikram Pillay Academy ‘A’ 7-5 to clinch the title of the Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Hockey Tournament which concluded at the Major Dhyanchand Hockey Stadium in Pimpri, here on Sunday. 

The game saw Income Tax steal the show, courtesy a four goal contribution by Abhishek Kumar who struck at regular intervals.

Income Tax look determined as they scored the opener in the second minute through Abhishekh Kumar.

Two minutes later, Ashutosh Lingesh (4th) made it 2-0.

Vikram Pillay Academy ‘A’, with four former internationals in their ranks, struck back when Devendra Walmiki (4th) converted a penalty corner to make it 2-1.

Income Tax then had Abhishekh score two back to back goals. First in the 19th minute off a successfully negotiated penalty corner conversion and later via a field goal in the 22nd minute to make it 4-1. Adding to the tally was Pradeep Mor (27th) to ensure Income Tax were running away with a win. At half time Income Tax led 5-1.

On the switch over, Darshan Ghumare (33rd) and Prince Chourasia (40th) helped Vikram Pillay Academy cut the lead to 5-3.

Income Tax replied with a brace of goals through Sanjay (44th) off a penalty corner and Abhishek (54th) to take an unassailable 7-3 lead at near of the hour.

A last-ditch effort by Vikram Pillay Academy ‘A’ via Yuvraj Walmiki (56th) and Philip Baa (59th) cut the lead to 7-5 and also ended an entertaining 12-goal match.

Speaking after their win, Ajitesh Roy, captain Income Tax said “This tournament has been very good for our team. We did not have our entire team for the initial matches. We played the first match with 10 players and the second match with 12 players and later the number increased to 14 after which we had our entire squad in the semifinal.”

“We changed the goal keeper in between. We had fumbled a little in the middle of the game. Our defence made a mistake due to which our opponents scored.We then made adjustments and made a comeback,” Roy added.

Yuvraj Walmiki, captain of Vikram Pillay Academy said “The final was entertaining for the crowd. Coming back from 5-1 and making the scoreline 7-5 was a good job. Our goal keeper was a hero in the semifinal match and today he conceded.In the end you need to accept defeat and you keep learning.” 

RESULTS
Final: Income Tax, Pune: 7 (Abhishekh Kumar 2nd, 19th, 22nd, 54th; Ashutosh Lingesh 4th; Pradeep Mor 27th; Sanjay 44th) bt Vikram Pillay Academy ‘A’: 5 (Devendra Walmiki 10th; Darshan Ghumare 33rd; Prince Chourasia 40th; Yuvraj Walmiki 56th; Philip Baa 59th). HT: 5-1.
III-Place: Food Corporation of India: 1 (Vinay Nerkat 24th) bt Super XI: 0. HT: 1-0