|
Sports News 2007 |
|
|
Inter-school Boys’ Hockey – November 2007Under 19 DivisionThis year’s team was coached by Mr. Niblett and Mr. Reid but most of the credit for the squad’s success should go to Mandip Thapa, the captain for the past two seasons. He arranged practices, motivated the team by example and looked after several training sessions. The U19s enjoyed considerable success in the group stage of their competition. We trounced Reach Matriculation School 9 – 1 (half time 5 – 0) with goals from Hyng Sin (3), Naagin (2), Josh (2) and Yash and Matthias. Then Chamraj Higher Secondary School succumbed 4 – 0 in a shortened game. Mandip scored twice with Naagin and Josh adding a goal apiece. Michael ‘Chesty’ Prescott in the goalkeeping position hardly touched the ball in these matches! Much credit goes to some fine defence organised by Joel George. The semi-finals saw us take on Laidlaw Memorial School (LMS). We got off to a superb start with goals by Hyng Sin and Naagin coming within six minutes of the game starting. Quick passing and fine shooting were the keys here. The half-time score was 2 – 0 but somehow we let LMS back into the game mid-way through the second half. They cracked in two great goals – right in the corner of the goal – and at full-time we were tied 2 – 2. And so to the dreaded penalty flicks … It was here that ‘Chesty’ came into his own with some great saves. After the set-piece 5 ‘flicks’ each the score was 2 – 2 (Josh, Mandip). In sudden-death Mandip took the captain’s mantle again: he scored, ‘Chesty’ saved and we were through to the final. We found ourselves playing two full games in the same day – and for youngsters Matthias and Sean (both U16s) it was three matches in one day! Our opponents were Arignar Anna Government School (AAG) from Coonoor. Their fine stick skills were counter-balanced by our well-honed teamwork and ‘never say die’ running. It was end-to-end play with both ‘keepers pulling off fine saves. Good running by Josh and Caleb on our wings and stubborn defence from Kynan, Ben, Sean and Joel gave rise to much excitement. Yash introduced great pace towards the end but despite Naagin’s zip and zest, Hyng Sin’s tricky reverse sweeps, and determined mid-field battles from Mandip and Matthias, we could not break through. We did have the better of the play but with a 0 – 0 finish it was penalties again. This time we were less fortunate with our flicks. Mandip slotted home his strike, and Chesty saved twice, but we lost 1 – 3 to AAG. They were more clinical and careful in this department and so, once again, we were runners-up. Naagin received the umpires’ ‘best player’ award – some consolation for a slightly disappointing end to a fine tournament. Alastair Reid Team
|