HSB / Johor Bahru (Malaysia)
India lost to Britain 1-2 in the final of the 9th Sultan of Johor Cup junior hockey in Johor Bahru on Saturday,
Right from the start it was India forcing the pace and put Britain on the back foot. They created more circle penetrations but their finishing let them down. The first good chance fell to Maninder Singh, who dribbled past three players to create an opening but he just shot over the crossbar.
Soon goalkeeper James Mazarelo was called into action in Britain’s goal, first saving a sharp chance off Sudeep before parrying three consecutive Penalty Corners, to ensure his team went into the break level.
India upped the ante in the second quarter, and this time it was Oliver Payne in goal who was holding the score level. First, he saved from Dilpreet Singh’s creative shot, before pulling off a reflex save from Gursahibjit’s deflection from yards out.
Britain almost fashioned and took a shock lead right at the end of the quarter, Rohan Bhuhi collecting the ball in space inside the India circle. His shot though dragged wide.
The trend continued in the third quarter, India forcing the play and Britain forced inside their own half for long periods playing on the counter.
India won their fifth PC of the game in the 36th minute, and once again Mazarelo was at hand to save Pratap Lakra’s drag flick. Minutes later India had a golden opportunity courtesy of Maninder, but Shilanand Lakra’s deflection fell straight at Mazarelo to kick away. The scoreboard remained untouched at the end of the third quarter.
Much like in their round-robin encounter, in the fourth quarter, India’s play gained an urgency. More and more Great Britain were being pushed back and in the 49th minute, India won another Penalty Corner, their seventh of the game. This time a variation proved to be key, Mandeep’s dragflick smartly deflected by Gursahibjit Singh to give India a 1-0 lead.
Within a minute though Britain won their first Penalty Corner of the game. Despite the initial save on the line by Sanjay, the ricochet fell to Stuart Rushmere who slotted home first time to draw his team level. India had it all to do again and soon they were dominating the midfield.
Right at the death though, Britain on the counter for one final attack, forced three superb saves from Prashant Chauhan. A final ricochet fell to Rushmere again who slotted home to give Britain the win and the title.