Riding high on striker Darshit Jadhav’s brace, Union Bank of India (UBI) overcame Champions Training Center (CTC) 5-3 in a pulsating third-round match of the Mumbai Hockey Super League at the Don Bosco turf, Matunga, yesterday.
The match began with a fast pace as both teams pressed hard to gain an early advantage. CTC drew first blood in the seventh minute through Ahmed Saddam, who smartly positioned himself inside the circle to tap one into the bottom-right corner, giving his side a 1-0 lead.
However, UBI responded with authority. Just four minutes later, Jadhav showcased his attacking prowess by neatly flicking in the equaliser into the top-right corner (11th min). UBI continued to apply pressure, and six minutes later, Jadhav struck again — this time with a stunning reverse hit — to give his side a 2-1 lead, going into half-time.
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The second-half resumed with renewed intensity. CTC managed to level the score at 2-2 (33rd min) via a penalty corner, thanks to a clinical drag flick by Kunal Gohil that flew into the top-left corner. But their joy was short-lived, as UBI immediately reclaimed the lead (34th min) when Bhim Batala capitalised on a goal-mouth scramble to tap the ball home, making it 3-2.
CTC squandered a golden opportunity to draw level again in the 39th minute when Ajay Naidu missed a crucial penalty stroke. UBI capitalised on the momentum shift and extended their lead (49th min) through Sachin Koleka, who found the net with a composed finish.
UBI maintained their attacking rhythm and Venkatesh Kenche made it 5-2 (58th min) with a well-timed strike to seal the fate of the fast-paced encounter.
CTC managed a consolation goal a minute later when Chelsea Meddappa scored in the 59th minute.