Consistent scorer Aakib Rahim played a stellar role scoring two goals in leading Union Bank of India to another fluent win as they tamed Maharashtra State Police 5-1 in a Super Division match of the MHAL League 2017-2018, at the MHAL-Mahindra Stadium, Churchgate on Thursday. The scores were level at 2-all in the first half.
Rahim with a field effort opened the scoring in the 17th minute, but two minutes later the Policemen drew level with Vinod Manugude scoring from a penalty corner. He successfully converted with a direct drag-flick from another penalty corner in the 22nd minute to put the cops in front. However, two minutes from time, Union Bank converted a penalty corner through Kartik Sharma to restore parity.
In the second half, both team tried to wrest the advantage, but Union Bank managed to break the Policemen’s resistance scoring three goals in the final 11 minutes. Rahim scored another field goal in the 59th minute and later Anand Rai scored from a penalty stroke in the 67th minute before Prince Chaurasia tapped in the fifth from close in the final minute to complete the margin of victory.
Union Bank forward Rahim was named winner of the ‘Man of the Match’ award andreceived a cash award of Rs 1,000 each.
On Friday, Bombay Republicans will meet Sports Authority of India at 2.30 pm and Western Railway will take on Indian Navy at 4.00pm.
Results: Union Bank of India 5 (Aakib Rahim 17th, 59th, Kartik Sharma 33rd, Anand Rai 67th, Prince Chaurasia 70th) beat Maharashtra State Police 2 (Vinod Manugude 19th, 22nd). MoM: Aakib Rahim (Union Bank of India).