Johor Bahru: The Indian colts suffered their first loss of the tournament as they were beaten 3-4 at the hands of Australia in the fourth round robin league match of the Sultan of Johor Cup on Thursday.
Just a day ago, they had handed USA a heavy beating of 22-0 and despite a goal from Sanjay (9th min) and a brace from Dilpreet Singh (30th min and 47th min), the Indians couldn’t prevent the loss. For the Australians, Joel Rintala (3rd min) Coby Green (36th min), Jonathan Bretherton (45th min) and Nathan Ephraums (49th minute) found the back of net.
Australia began the match on a bright note as their repeated attacks earned them a penalty in the third minute which was converted by Joel Rintala to give his side the lead in the match. But the Indians fought back and were awarded a penalty at the end of the first quarter in the ninth minute which was converted by Sanjay to give his side the equaliser in the match.
The match was equally balanced between both the teams as the defenders from both the sides showed resilience in the second quarter to prevent each other from scoring and gaining a lead. But in the last minute before the half-time, Dilpreet Singh took India ahead after a miss-pass from Australia.
With India leading 2-1, Australia were desperately in search for an equaliser and found one through a penalty once again in the 36th minute when Coby Green levelled things in the game.
This time, Australia scored in the 45th minute to take the lead once again and make it 3-2 through Jonathan Bretherton but Dilpreet levelled the scores in the last quarter to ensure that India doesn’t let their opponents get away.
Australia were once again handed a lead by Nathan Ephraums who scored in the 49th minute. This proved to be crucial as Australia edged out on a 4-3 win. India would play their next match against Great Britain on October 28.