RCF, Vikram Pillay Academy enter semis

Pune, Dec 14 (UNI) Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilizers (RCF), Mumbai, posted a 3-0 win over Central Railway, Pune, and breezed into the last four stage in the Dr Avinash Bhide memorial state level hockey tournament today here.

RCF will now lock horns with defending champions Maharashtra Krida Mandal, Kolhapur, in the semi-finals, while Vikram Pillay Academy will take on Pune City Police in the other semi-finals tomorrow.

In the other quarterfinal tie, Vikram Pillay Academy thrashed lowly Satara District XI 6-0 in a hopelessly one-sided affair.

The RCF versus Central Railway quarter final tie was played on fast pace. RCF drew the first blood in the 19th minute when their speedy centre forward Faizal Siddiqui found the mark from close range.

Mahesh Bagade, making a solo run down on the right flank, increased the lead in the 28th minute.

After the change-over, RCF scored the third goal in the 35th minute when centre forward Alwyn Alexander made the issue safe scoring after getting past a host of defenders.

Central Railway forced five penalty corners but failed to give meaning to any of them. RCF forced two which also proved abortive. Faizal Siddiqui was named the man of the match.

Vikram Pillay Academy boys who displayed fine cohesion and understanding were head and shoulders above the rivals. Making the most of the mediocre opposition, inside left Cyril Bernard chalked up a fine brace, scoring in the 25th and 32nd minutes, after centre forward Yuvraj Walmik put them ahead in the third minute of the play.

After the change over, Vikram Pillay Academy added three more goals. Inside right Victo Singh also posted a brace finding the mark in the 41st and 47th minutes, while inside right Anil Sawant completed the tally.

The Academy boys had forced three penalty corners but failed to capitalise on them. The rivals had two which also remained unproductive. Cyril Bernard was adjudged the man of the match.

UNI