India in 19-nil win over Pakistan

Singer Rugby Asiad Shield Championship:

Chris DHAMBARAGE

India pulled off a hard fought 19 points to nil victory over their arch rivals Pakistan in their IRB Singer Rugby Asiad Shield championship opening fixture played at the CR and FC grounds in Longden Place yesterday.

India playing with a better understanding and good co-ordination rattled their opponents while collecting their points from two goals and one try after having led 12 nil at half time.

Even then it was during the latter stages of the game that India really came into their own and their third and final try which came almost during injury time completely sealed the game in their favour. Until then Pakistan were in with a chance as they missed out on at least two good scoring opportunities despite enjoying a fair amount of possession.

But the different between the two teams was that India were prepared to work the line at every given opportunity and their forwards combined well with the three quarters.

The Indians certainly had a running set of forwards and this was quite clear as prop forward Devender was responsible for two tries.

However it was their second row forward Gophi Nath who scored India’s first try following a great piece of work from their mobile pack. Full back Muni missed the conversion but India had taken the lead mid way in the first half.

Burly prop forward Devender then scored his first of two tries shortly before half time while diving over from a five metre scrum. His second try of course came during the dying moments of the game where he produced a superb 25 metre dash before touching down near the corner flag.

Full back Muni converted both tries having earlier fumbled with an easy penalty to give India a morale boosting victory.