NEW DELHI, February 20: Rourkela Municipal College, Rourkela outplayed the Australian university team 1-0 to win the Nehru-Sail Champion Colleges hockey tournament at the Shivaji Stadium here today.What was expected to be tough encounter turned out to be a story of Rourkela's dominance. The Australians were left a dejected lot when the spectators gave the hardy boys from Orissa a standing ovation, when they went on a victory lap.
Rourkela's centre-half Linus Tirkey displayed tremendous anticipation and acceleration to block four stinging penalty-corner hits by Aussie specialist Zac Hawes. And, five penalty-corners and a couple of good tries in the first session were all the Australians managed today.
Rourkela's aggression paid off when they forced their fourth penalty-corner. From an indirect attempt, Linus Tirkey passed to his left to Simon Tirkey, whose first-time hit crashed against Harley's pads and rolled in.
In the second half, Rebanius Tete and Naus Lugun muffed up two clear chances. ButRourkela were never in trouble as their defenders held strong, and Linus' agility came to their rescue whenever Australia forced a penalty- corner.
Rourkela received the winners' cheque of Rs 100,000, while the Australians received Rs 60,000.
JAMIA THIRD: Earlier, Faculty of Social Sciences, Jamia Milia Islamia took third place, getting the better of NAS College, Meerut 3-1 in a match marked by frayed tempers on both sides.
Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
