Hawke’s Bay Cup: Indian eves suffer defeat against Japan in quarters

Hawke’s Bay Cup: Indian eves suffer defeat against Japan in quarters

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Image Courtesy: © Hockey India Media

Indian women's hockey team's hopes of a semi-final spot went in smokes on Thursday after they suffered a 1-3 defeat to Japan in the quarter-final of the 2016 Hawke’s Bay Cup. Minami Shimizu, Aki Mitsuhashi, and Motomi Kawamura scored the goals for Japan, while Rani scored the lone goal for India.

Japan started the game strongly, and took the lead in the 5th minute from their first PC. They scored two more quick field goals in the 6th and 7th minutes to leave India reeling at 3-0. The Indian team settled down and earned their first PC which they duly converted through Rani in the 14th minute.

After an exciting goal-filled first quarter, the second turned out to be calmer as both teams looked to their defence to control the flow of the game. The game went into half time with Japan leading 3-1.

India came out of half time stronger, and immediately tested the Japanese goalkeeper in the beginning of the third quarter, only to be thwarted by their goalkeeper who cleared the ball off the line.

The Japanese, who started the half defensively were pushed back constantly, as the Indians pressed hard to find the goals. Deflections by Poonam missed the target, while captain Deepika also missed a chance in the quarter.

Late in the fourth quarter, India had a flurry of PCs as they looked to convert a goal to put their opponents under pressure. Japan’s goal keeper Asano Sakiyo was called into action as she cleared off the line from Rani’s try in the final minutes to ensure her team qualified for the next round. The final score was 3-1 in favour of Japan.

India next play Canada in the classification game on April 9, Saturday.

Report Courtesy: © Hockey India Media

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