SAI prevail over MEG to clinch title

SAI, who entered their final league encounter two points behind MEG on 22 points, first beat the Sappers 1-0 in the last round robin match before edging the same opponents 2-1 in a ‘face-off’ at St Mary’s Orphanage grounds.

In a tournament where two additional points were awarded for every goal scored, SAI finished with 31 points to lift the winner’s trophy. Sappers ended runners-up with 26 points while Singapore Recreation Club, boosted by the likes of Dhanraj Pillay on Wednesday, surprised BEML in taking third place with 13 points.

Earlier, SAI and MEG battled themselves for supremacy in a keenly fought tussle. While both teams had their fare share of chances, Uthappa well-struck shot from a 29th-minute penalty corner eventually made the difference.

Rafique and Uthappa converted their chances for SAI in the ‘face-off,’ while Keshavan was lone scorer for MEG.

Results: BEML: 1 (Kalappa 11th) drew SRC: 1 (Jumaea 40th); SAI: 1 (Uthappa 29th) bt MEG: 0.
Final standings: SAI (31 points) 1; MEG (26) 2; SRC (13) 3; BEML (9) 4.
Individual awards: Best goalkeeper: Jagdeep Singh (SAI); Top scorer: Sahayam Jayaseelan (MEG); Outstanding player: Mannu Patel (SAI); Most promising: Md Bagir (SRC).
Babita Johnas Memorial Cup: Rangers Bangalore 1; SRC Women 2.