Republicans "B" storm to Div II title

It also compensated Republicans whose `C’ side played second fiddle to Sachivalaya Gymkhana in the Fourth Division final held yesterday.An aggressive approach paved way to a Republicans `B’ triumph today and an early lead set the tone for resounding success.

Kamlesh Kumar drew first blood with a ninth-minute field goal that rattled the L & T defence.

As the game progressed, L & T adopted a defensive stance but it failed to contain the rampaging Republicans forwards for long.

The winners surged to a 2-0 lead when an unmarked S Choudhary deflected Kamlesh Kumar’s pass past goalkeeper R Hosabettu.

Republicans carried the lead to the interval and piled pressure on their haplessopponents citadel after resumption.

Hard-working Sanjay Bhosle swelled the lead to 3-0 in the 33rd minute before Kamlesh Kumar scored his second in the 43rd to make it 4-0. Sairam Vishnui completed the rout a minute later.

Republicans collected the top cash prize of Rs 12,000 with Rs 6,000 going to runners-up Catholic Gymkhana.

International umpire and former player Satinder Pal Walia was chief guest while Mrs Leela Walia gave away the prizes.