The Khalsa-A match with the star studded Punjab-A team on Sunday Nov17 was the highlight match of the Hong Kong Hockey Association Premier Division season so far. The highly anticipated match brought out the crowds to Happy Valley to watch and support.
Punjab have added a fourth Pakistan Olympian Mudassar Ali Khan to their squad to join Sohail Abbas, Waseem Ahmed and Sukhwinder Singh Gabbar, although all four are in their mid-30’s they make a formidable addition to the side and add great interest for the spectators.
Khalsa have also added two more Indian players to strengthen their squad Harpreet Singh and Bikramjeet Singh making it a real Clash of the Titans.
No one was disappointed. It was a marvellous spectacle of field hockey played to a very high standard by both sides.
Punjab struck first 27 minutes into the match, with a drag flick first goal by Abbas who celebrated a little with team mates at his first HK success.
Sukhwinder scored next, just three minutes later, to put Punjab 2-0 in the lead and that is how it stayed until the break.
Khalsa were a bit hesitant in the first half and not playing their normal flowing game. but in the second half, after an earnest talk by Manager Gurcharan Singh, they settled down, started moving the ball more freely and got to grips with the opposition.
Khalsa had one period of about 10 minutes when it was clear that they were beginning to dominate with more attacking moves. They forced a penalty corner which Ahmed Ewis slotted home and just a couple of minutes later they scored a second goal tying the score line 2-2.
Punjab – a little shaken—then played more earnestly trying to regain the lead, but it was Khalsa that were playing hot and notched up a third goal to take them in front.
The ensuing celebration of that goal triggered a response from the already vocal crowd. This time it erupted into confrontation with many supporters rushing onto the pitch. It did not seem to be between the opposing teams, but part of the crowd took exception to the celebration actions of the goal scorer. It did not seem violent, just a lot of shouting, but the game was stopped for 10 or 15 minutes while order was restored.
When the match restarted all was normal with some great hockey. Punjab scored seven minutes before the final whistle to even up the match at 3-3.
Although there was frantic action from both sides to get the winner, maybe fortunately it ended 3-3. Both deserved to win, so a draw was fitting.
Players and coaches of teams from the earlier matches in the day stayed on to see this important milestone game in addition to the many fans that arrived for the match.
The other matches played at Happy Valley were put in the shadows, but Shaheen-A beat KNS-A 4-3; Valley-A had a good 6-3 win over SSSC-B; and SSSC-A won 4-2 against Pak-A. Pak-A put up a good show in this match and were quite competitive, but lost out in the final period.
At the Football Club Ground, HKFB-B won 1-0 against Elite-A; and HKFC-A also won their match against KCC-A 4-2.
Standings
HKFC-A are still top of the standings on 18 points, Punjab-A are second on 16 points and Khalsa-A are on 14 points.
SSSC-A are currently third on 15 points, but they have played one more match and have no game this coming week.
HKFC-A have had some fairly soft fixtures so far this season, but their match against Punjab-A on Dec 1 will be the next big encounter.
Next Matches
The best matches next week Sunday (Nov 24) are expected to be KCC-A against Pak-A and Shaheen-A against Punjab-A, both at Happy Valley. Meanwhile, the HKFC-B match against Valley-A should also be exciting.
The Women’s match between Valley-A and HKFC-A at Football Cub should also be a close contest.
