Army (Red) and Thanks post victories in their opening matches

New Delhi, Feb 22 (UNI) Thanks defeated Army (Green) 8-5 while Army (Red) thrashed Indian Navy 15-5 on the first day of the Jaeger Le-Coultre Maharaj Sir Pratap Singh Cup here today.

Army Green started with a one-goal handicap on the score board as they were playing with a 15 goal team handicap as opposed to Thanks' 16 goal handicap. Just before the bugle sounded the end of the chukkar Gaston Moore of Army Green was able to notch a score for his team with a successfully converted 60 yard penalty shot The chukkar ended 2-0 in favour of Army (Green).

In the second half of the opening match of the tournament, Gaston Moore was able to score two more goals for his team, giving the lead once again. Good team-work from Thanks saw Satinder Garcha score to narrow Army's lead. However three successive goals by Gerardo Mazzini saw the game end 8-5 in favour of Thanks.

In the other match of the day Army (Red) routed Indian Navy by 15-5. Santiago Estrada, opened the score for Army (Red) while Akhil Sirohi opened account for the Indian Navy. Estrada went on two make two more goals for his team.

Army (Red) unleashed a relentless attack on the Indian Navy form the thrid chakkar onwards to make it a one-sided affair. Army (Red) went on to make 11 goals, while Indian Navy were able to pull back only two more goals in the remaining chukkars of the match.

On Saturday, Army (Red) will once again clash with Indian Navy while Thanks will play against Army (Green). Winners of these two matches will be vie for the trophy on Sunday.

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