Dar hockey academy won its second successive match during its tour to Holland by defeating Rosmalen Club 2-1 on Friday at Vught, Eindhoven.
According to the information available with APP, it was the academy’s second game of the two-week tour and they put up another fine display. Dar Academy youngsters (under 19) faced quite a strong Rosmalen side with almost all the players from their first team with ages ranging from 24 to 26.
One of the umpires for the match, Rob Lathouwers is the most renowned whistle blower in hockey’s history. Thought the score line suggests a narrow win, but it was a fully deserved win on the run of play.
In the first half, the Pakistani lads dominated the possession. Their attacks came in waves through mesmerising moves as well as individual thrusts. But they failed to make their chances count.
Rosmalen rarely entered the circle though they had the only penalty corner of the period. An excellent deflection off a long ball into circle was saved by the well positioned net minder, Awais.
The second half was more competitive. The very first minute saw Mohammad Usman missing a sitter. With only goal keeper to beat, his delayed shot was well stopped by the charging shot stopper.
Soon, Rosmalen wasted two penalty corners. In the 30th minute, the goal which had been coming ever since the match started eventually arrived. Given a clear run off a long pass, M Usman made amends as he sprinted into the circle and beat the goal keeper with an angular shot.
After wasting a penalty corner, the Dar academy doubled the advantage. A cross by Ajmal Butt parallel to goal line was tapped in by Farhan. Rosmalen came back into the match in the 47th minute when Koert Stovers’ flick off of a penalty kick went into the net off the line stopper’s stick.
Last 13 minutes were really thrilling as up and down game ensued. Both the sides got opportunities but it remained 2-1 in favour of the Lahore based academy.