BSF win title without much ado

Mumbai, May 5: Teamwork scored over individual brilliance when Border Security Force, Jalandhar, overcame the lukewarm challenge of Mumbai...

Mumbai, May 5: Teamwork scored over individual brilliance when Border Security Force, Jalandhar, overcame the lukewarm challenge of Mumbai’s Bharat Petroleum (BPCL) with a goal in each half and bagged the All-India Guru Tegh Bahadur Gold Cup at the Mahindra Stadium, on Friday.

The final, however, failed to deliver the goods for the goodly crowd that turned up on the day. Defences dominated and goalmouth thrills were few and far between. The scorers for BSF were Meriues Lakra and Shinu Herenz.

BSF had the first attempt in the 12th minute when left-winger Habbil Topno had a snap shot at goal following a swift counter-attack down the right. The ball seemed to be trickling in at the near post after being deflected by a BPCL defender, but the ever agile goalkeeper Bopanna averted the danger with an outstretched right foot.

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BPCL drilled a nice opening in the 19th minute. Left-half KT Mohan was ideally positioned at the top of the circle when he received a Sabu Virkey square pass. But Mohan’s feeble shot was easily stopped BSF goalkeeper Jasjit Singh.

A minute later at the other end, BSF striker Shinu Herenz shot wide with only Bopanna at his mercy.

BSF forged ahead in the 28th minute. Herenz intercepted a Sandeep Somesh through pass near the centre-line and sent Merius Lakra racing down the empty middle. Lakra, after playing a `one-two’ with Peter Tirkey, left goalkeeper Bopanna standing with a powerful shot.

In the second-half, BPCL came back strongly but their forays either petered out upon reaching the circle or resulted in penalty-corners. They had seven penalty-corners after the change of ends without any success.

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The second goal came in the 65th following a breakaway raid. Goalkeeper Bopanna padded the ball to the top of the circle. Herenz trapped the clearance and then beat the goalkeeper with a fierce drive to the left of the ‘keeper and put the issue beyond doubt for the secutirymen.

BSF were richer by Rs 40000 and the local outfit received Rs 20000. The Sports Journalists Association of Mumbai Award of Rs 5,000 and a silver trophy for the best player-of-the-tournament was bagged by BPCL and junior India goalkeeper PA Bopanna.