Central Railway staved off a stiff challenge from a youthful Sports Authority of India (SAI) side to score a narrow 3-2 win in a Bombay Hockey Association Super League match at the Mahindra stadium yesterday. Central were trailing 0-1 at the lemon break. Central Railway received their first jolt in the 20th minute when Shivendra Singh got past a host of defenders to put SAI up. But after this unexpected reverse, Railway launched a relentless attack on the SAI goal, internationals Jamsher Khan, Arif Baig and Hasrat Qureishi being especially incisive. But it was only after a switch of ends that the more experienced Railway side got the equaliser, when Amit Sain scored off a penalty corner. But two minutes later the enthusiastic SAI team took the lead once again as Harish Timoris rasping drive left the Railway defence rooted to the spot after a swift counter-attack. Central Railway once again found the equaliser when Haseebul fired home from a penalty corner. Three minutes from the final hooter, Jamsher Khans 25-yard hit was deflected between the posts by Amit Singh. With this win, Central Railway move into second place behind Air-India in the league standings. Romeo Albuquerque will lead the Mumbai hockey team for the Zatopiks Trophy to be held in Pune from June 10. The Kshatriya Union Club will host the 39th Open Carrom Tournament at Vanmali Hall, Dadar from June 24. Entries will be accepted until June 17 at the venue between 6 pm and 8 pm.
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