Perth: India A men’s hockey team failed to hold on to a good start to the tour after losing 1-0 to New South Wales in a close encounter at the 2017 men’s Australian Hockey League in Perth on Saturday. Substitute Blake Govers scored in the 37th minute to bring up the win.
The Indian team had a great start to the tour when they went past Western Australia beating them 4-1 in a convincing fashion in their opening match. Armaan Qureshi, Affan Yousuf, Amit Rohidas and Talwinder Singh all got their name in the scoresheet. However could not do the same against NSW despite putting up a tough fight.
Players like Tom Craig, Blake Govers, Kieran Govers, Matthew Dawson and Ben Craig in the NSW squad have already played for the Australian national team, which forced India to be more on the defensive unlike their previous match where they were ruthless in attack.
The men in blue organised their defense well and managed to curb the NSW forwards from making successful runs into the goal in the first two quarters.
However, the Australian team broke the deadlock in the 37th minute through Blake Govers who beat Indian goalkeeper Krishan Patha to score a field goal after coming on as a substitue.
The visitors desperate for a win, went on an all out attack in the final 15 minutes of the match but could not equalise as NSW held to the lead.
New South Wales maintained a constant pressure on their Indian counterparts throughout the match as India came out second best on the day.
However, despite the loss it was a good match for the Indians as they lost just by a solitary goal against a team whose half members were already full internationals. Playing against such a strong opponent will help the young boys get more exposure and at the same time add more experience to their profile.
Meanwhile, India A will next take on the Northern Territory in their pool B encounter on Sunday.