CTC hit MbPt for a six!

The Champions Training Centre team with the Hockey Mumbai Super League winner’s trophy. Pics/Shadab Khan

Powered by braces from skipper Manpreet Singh and forward Raj Patil, Champions Training Centre (CTC) delivered a clinical all-round performance to beat Mumbai Port Authority (MbPT) 6-1 in the Hockey Mumbai Super League final and retain their title in style at the Don Bosco High School (Matunga) turf on Sunday.

Yusuf opens the scoring

CTC dominated from the outset, showing intensity and precision in attack. They opened the scoring in the 20th minute with striker Affan Yusuf hammering a low drive into the bottom-left corner of the MbPT goal.

Also Read: Newcastle climb to 3rd spot with 2-0 win over Chelsea

CTC skipper Manpreet Singh during the final yesterday

Five minutes later, Manpreet doubled CTC's lead with a simple tap-in after a swift move within the circle. Shortly before half-time, Patil capitalised on a defensive lapse to make it 3-0, putting CTC firmly in control of the proceedings. On resumption, Manpreet double his tally, striking home from close range in the 39th minute.

MbPT pulled a goal back (47th min) through Deepak Soreng, who somehow breached the otherwise well-organised CTC defence, but it was too little, too late.
Patil added his second of the game with 10 minutes remaining. He neatly finished a counterattack with composure before midfielder Darshan Gaonkar rounded off the score with a sharp finish from inside the circle to seal an emphatic 6-1 win for CTC.

Skipper Manpreet Singh was understandably delighted to retain the trophy. "It was a good game, and we are proud to retain the cup. The players, coaches, and support staff have all played an important role. We weren't at our best during the league stage, but worked on our weaknesses and stuck to the plan. We deserve this victory," he said.

Graceful in defeat

Meanwhile, his MbPT counterpart, Laxmikant Kawale, was visibly disappointed, but accepted the result gracefully. "We made too many mistakes today and were outplayed. We'll review our performance and come back stronger next year," he stated.

However, the evening held some joy for MbPT as their young midfielder, Naveen Kerketta, 20, from Jharkhand, was named Player of the Tournament.

CTC were awarded Rs 1,11,111 while MbPT received Rs 55,555 for their effort.