Both local outfits were involved in a very physically-challenged battle that saw five yellow and one green crads being flashed. However, a strong first half performance from SAI eventually blunted a late resurgence from BEML at St Mary’s Orphanage grounds.
SAI, who trounced Singapore Recreation Club 5-0 in Monday’s opening match, looked sharp from the onset and nearly took the lead in the fourth minute when an unmarked Aiyappa MB failed to bring his stick on time to connect Somanna CK’s sweeping pass from the left.
The highly penetrative SAI surged 1-0 ahead in the 14th minute after Somanna dribbled down the centre from 30 yards and passed it to Aiyappa, who shared a one-two with the former before tapping it past BEML custodian Hameed.
BEML then slowly began to find their feet in the match but were let down with some poor finishing upfront. They were largely guilty of passing the ball around too much within the 25-yard circle giving enough time for SAI lads to clear it.
SAI went 2-0 ahead in the 25th minute when Pradhan Aiyappa’s shot from a penalty corner ricocheted of Hameed’s gloves allowing an unmarked Manu for a simple tap in.
Upon resumption, a brief exchange of passes between Pradhan and Manu saw SAI take a 3-0 lead. Pardhan dribbled down the centre and released it Manu, who foxed custodian Hameed and sold it back to Pradhan who completed the move without any mistake.
Kalappa scored the only goal for BEML in the 52nd minute.
DH News Service
Other result: MEG: 4 (Kiran Kunjappa 21st, Keshavan 33rd, Sahayam 34th, Uthappa 59th) bt SRC: 2 (Zulfadil 32nd, Dexter Karg 53).
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