JAIPUR: Maharashtra Ironmen held on to register a sensational one-point (28-27) victory over the Golden Eagles Uttar Pradesh in an inaugural Premier Handball League at the Sawai Mansingh Indoor Stadium on Monday.
Maharashtra Ironmen, who have already qualified for the semi-finals for the first-ever PHL season, took on bottom placed Golden Eagles Uttar Pradesh in Match No. 23.
The Golden Eagles started the game swiftly as Harjinder Singh and Sukhveer Singh Brar got into their attacking groove quickly. Omid Reza of Uttar Pradesh also made some amazing saves in the initial stages of the match as his team took a slender lead. The Ironmen made sure that Golden Eagles lead did not last for too long as Igor Chiseliov, Manjeet and Sumit Ghanghas scored in quick succession to bring their team back into the game. Halfway through the first period the score read 6-7 in favour of Maharashtra.
From there on the Ironmen were going about the game in typical fashion as their lethal attack saw them take the lead despite the best efforts of Omid Reza in the Golden Eagles goal. Despite the Ironmen’s dominance they were unable to establish a healthy lead thanks to Harjinder Singh and Sukhveer Singh Brar, whose goals made sure that Ironmen were not able to establish an unassailable lead. Soon after the first half came to an end as the score read 13-15 in favour of the Maharashtra Ironmen.
The Golden Eagles Uttar Pradesh came out for the second half determined to give Maharashtra a run for their money. Maharashtra although went about the second half much like the first half as Chiseliov, Manjeet, Sumit Kumar, Mohit Punia and Sumit Ghanghas were able to find the back of the net consistently which saw the Ironmen extend their lead and take control of the game. By the 45th minute mark the score read 18-22 in favour of the Ironmen.
Despite the best efforts of the Golden Eagles’ Harjinder Singh, Mankesh and Vansh Thakran they were floundering to find a way back into the game. However, goals from Jyotiram Bhushan Shinde and Mahesh Ugile saw the Golden Eagles mount a late comeback but it was too little too late. Maharashtra on the other hand were able to score with every attack they constructed which allowed them to hold on to their slender lead until the final whistle. Soon after the game ended 27-28 in favour of the Maharashtra Ironmen.
Igor Chiseliov was the top scorer for the Maharashtra Ironmen in the game with 8 goals, while Harjinder Singh was the top scorer for the Golden Eagles with 8 goals also. Igor Chiseliov picked up another most valuable player of the match award for his all-round attacking performance in the game.
Rajasthan Patriots prevail over Delhi Panzers
Rajasthan Patriots secured a classy victory over the Delhi Panzers in a game that ended 35-30 in their favour of the hosts. The Patriots put in a resolute performance in defence and an explosive performance in attack to claim the victory.
The Rajasthan Patriots alongside the Telugu Talons and Maharashtra Ironmen had already secured a spot in the semi-finals as they were getting ready to take on the Delhi Panzers. The Panzers on the other hand needed a win to clinch a spot in the semi-finals. The Delhi Panzers started the game on the front foot as Jasmeet Singh was in lethal form. His goals in the opening minutes of the game saw his team take the lead early in the game. Nevertheless, Arjun Lakra came to life soon after as he single-handedly dragged his team back into the game with some acrobatic finishing. By the 15th minute mark, the scores were level at 6 all as Jasmeet and Arjun were shining for their respective teams in the opening minutes.
Rajasthan Patriots slowly took control of the game from there on. Sumit and Mohit Ghanghas started supporting Arjun going forward. In defence Atul Kumar was doing his bit as he made some excellent saves and was marshalling his defence superbly as they were giving very little time and space to the Delhi players in possession. This allowed the Patriots to extend their lead as by halftime the score read 16-13 in favour of the Patriots.
Bhupender Ghanghas was the top scorer for the Delhi Panzers in the encounter with 8 goals, while Arjun Lakra was the top scorer for the Rajasthan Patriots with 8 goals also. Dmitry Kireev was awarded the most valuable player of the match for his dominant display in attack.
RESULTS
