Asian inter-club hockey tournament:

Matale Hockey Club in 3-2 win

S.M. Jiffrey Abdeen - Kandy Sports Corr

Despite a late fight back Matale Hockey Club scored a thrilling 3 goals to 2 win over Water and Power Development Authority Sports Club, Pakistan in their Asian inter-club hockey tournament match organized by Asia Hockey. Federation in Association with Sri Lanka Hockey Federation played at the Nandimittra Hockey Stadium at Matale yesterday. At half time Matale led 1-0.

It was a day of glory for Matale stickers and playing before their home crowd they put a superlative display to take up a 4-0 lead at one stage of the game.

Former national goalkeeper Indika Wilwaratne had an excellent game bringing off several good saves which prevented the visiting team from scoring especially in the first half when they took play inside the striking circle but could not get past custodian Wilwaratne.

Matale HC opened scoring midway in the first through centre forward Anju Hewage. That was all the scoring in the first half.

The second half Matale HC move in the offensive and right inside Mohammed Ghazzali slammed their second goal.

Matale’s third goal was off a penalty corner, scored by full back Rangala Gunapala.

Matale HC at this stage leading 3-0 appeared to have firmly wrapped up the match.

But the stickers from Pakistan fought back and first reduced the lead when full back Sohail Abbas converted a penalty corner.

Pakistani’s further reduced the lead in the closing stages of the game when forward Waquar Sheriff scored a peach of a goal to make it 2-3. That was all they could do before the home team romped home winners.

Indrawansa Herath and Shabeer Ahamed of Pakistan umpired.

Kuala Lumpur win in the second match of the day. Kuala Lumpur Hockey Club from Malaysia trounced Sri Lanka Air Force 6-2 after leading 2-0 at the breather.

Malaysians played extremely well to down the local champions.

Goal scorers for Kuala Lumpur SC were centre forward Abdul Jalal (2), left extreme Abdul Azil Mohamed (1), left inside Shanmuganathan Kuhan (1), left extreme Abdul Ismail (1) and centre forward M. Amarullah (1).

Chandana Herath Bandara and Munir Ahamed of Pakistan umpired.