Murugappa Gold Cup | Railways too good for Indian Navy, completes a hat-trick of titles

After a sedate begin within the pool matches, Railways peaked when it mattered most: within the knockouts.

It was a lesson in recognizing the weak point of the opponent and understanding a plan and executing it to a T.

Realising that the Navy gamers are glorious in deflections by means of lengthy and brief passes from the 25-yard, dotted strains and the putting circle, Railways seldom allowed the rival strikers any leeway to unleash their pictures. Such was the effectiveness of the Railways defence.

In all of the 4 quarters, Railways held the higher hand, negating Navy’s counter-attacks with ease.

Eight minutes into the competition, Railways scored by means of Shivam Anand who scooped one to the roof of the web after receiving the move from Gursahibjit Singh from the left. It might have been 2-0 for Railways in direction of the top of first quarter if not for Zameer, being the final man standing behind ‘keeper Sanjay Bhaskar, blocking a shot by Sayyad Niyaz Rahim.

Within minutes, Navy equalised by means of Aakib Rahim Arif who slotted it dwelling from the highest of the circle.

Thereafter, it was Railways’ present all the best way. Pankaj Rawat transformed a copy-book penalty nook shot within the third quarter and Niyaz Rahim’s fierce hit from the circle within the 57th minute made it past the attain of Navy.

Sunil Kumar Singh, who was the pinnacle coach of Railways for 3 straight time, was ecstatic. “It’s an enormous achievement for us to have a hat-trick in such a giant match. We improved after every match. We knew the opponent shall be relying on the slap shot. We solely had to verify we block it as soon as they enter the 25-yard,” mentioned Sunil.

Railways obtained Rs. 7 lakh whereas Navy needed to be content material with Rs. 5 lakh.

M. M. Murugappan, chairman, CUMI and Chola MS, gave away the prizes.

The consequence (remaining): Indian Railways 3 (Shivam Anand 8, Pankaj Rawat 37, Sayyad Niyaz Rahim 57) bt Navy 1 (Aakib Rahim Arif 15).