MUMBAI, December 10: Braving bad ground conditions, blatant rough play and perplexing umpiring, University of Mumbai qualified for the All-India Varsities men's hockey championships in Ranchi, commencing on December 11.Playing at Baroda, the squad finished second to Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda in a four-team league that concluded recently.

Centre-forward Gurmeet Singh Rao and left-winger Stanley Fernandes emerged among four players voted outstanding at the tournament. Braving a swollen eye, Gurmeet's was the highlight of the squad's performance. He scored all four of his side's goals at Baroda including two splendid solo efforts against the eventual winners Maharaja Sayaji University of Baroda.

The Mumbai lads drew 2-2 with MS Baroda in the concluding match of the league. The result brought them second spot with two draws and a win in the four-team league.

Coach Ranjit Dalvi and Manager Hardeep Singh Saini reflected on a satisfying tournament by his squad. Seeded into the quarter-finals, the Mumbai collegians beat Nagpur 1-0 to qualify for the league.

But he expressed concern at the state of affairs in Universities' hockey. Dalvi was clearly piqued by the umpiring that reached abysmal levels. An umpire himself, Dalvi raises questions on hockey's progress when conditions for varsities hockey are bad. ``We have to seriously address the conditions that we are subjected to. Grounds are bad and umpiring even worse,'' he said.Gurmeet's all-important strike took Mumbai past Nagpur in the quarter-final knock-out.

The squad relied on a four-man midfield with Ives Bent playing a crucial role as a withdrawn forward.

With Conroy Remedios the pivot, Sameer Jada (right-half) and Randolph Lobo (left-half) held the midfield efficiently.

Playing a bruising goalless draw against Bhopal in the league, Gurmeet stopped a jab with his right eye. Undeterred he continued gamely to score the match-winner against Jiwaji (Gwalior) before a spectacular performance against the hosts.

Gurmeet, a Sports Authority of India product hailing from Nashik, beat three defenders before putting Mumbai ahead with a splendid reverse flick. He did an encore to level scores after MS Baroda scored two quick goals after the break.

Gurmeet was ably assisted by slender forward Stanley Fernandes, whose control and body swerves were a treat to watch.

At the other extreme, Arun Gurung gave Mumbai's citadel a safe look with adept anticipation and technique, living up to his role as captain.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.