Income Tax registered a hard-fought 1-0 win over Krida Prabodhini to annex the Pune Mayor Cup Hockey Championship 2018 at the Shiv Chhatrapathi Sports Complex, Mhalunge-Balewadi, here on Sunday.

In a match of evens, both teams were locked in a battle royal with the game. The first half ended 0-0.

In the second half, Income Tax almost scored when Nitin Kumar failed from close after Ajitesh Roy’s drag flick off a penalty corner was saved by the Krida Prabodhini ‘keeper Shivratna Rasal.

Later, Income Tax’s Ashish Chetty missed a glorious chance by hitting wide from the top of the circle after Nitin intelligently put him in possession.

Income Tax finally broke the deadlock when Nitin Kumar (52nd) scored past the Krida Prabodhini  goalkeeper.

The day overall was not cut out for Krida Prabodhini as they missed chances galore through Talib Shah, Harish Shendgi and Aniket Gurav who came close most of the times but fell prey to the Income Tax ‘keeper who stood in the way.

In the third-place play off, Central Railway, Pune scored a facile 5-1 win over 2 Maratha Light Infantry.

In a tough first half where neither team left no space for error, Central Railway opened the coring through Prakash Ghumbre (8th). However, two minutes later 2 MLI levelled with Krishna Pail (28th) scoring to end the half 1-1.

Changing ends, it was Central Railway all the way. Vishal Pillay (36th), Aniket Mutthiya (41st), Ashish Bhosale (43rd), Shakti Thakur (47th).

Winners Income Tax were richer by Rs 50,000, while the runners-up Krida Prabodhini received Rs 25,000. Third placed Central Railway walked away with Rs. 15,000.

Later the prizes were given away by Balasaheb Landge, President Maharashtra Olympic Association; Namdev Shirgaonkar, Joint secretary Indian Olympic Association and Subash Puri, Sports Officer, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC). Olympian Vikram Pillay was the guest of honour. Also present were Parag Oza, Vice President Hockey Maharashtra and Ranveer Singh Bhatti. Manoj Bhore, Secretary Hockey Maharashtra proposed a vote of thanks.

RESULTS

3rd Place: Central Raillway, Pune: 5 (Prakash Ghumbre 8th; Vishal Pillay 36th; Aniket Mutthiya 41st; Ashish Bhosale 43rd; Shakti Thakur 47th) b 2 Maratha Light Infantry: 1 (Krishna Patil 28th). HT: 1-0

Final: Income Tax: 1 (Nitin Kumar 52nd) b Krida Prabodhini: 0 .HT: 0-0

OTHER PRIZES

Best Goalkeeper: Sudhir Dixit (Income Tax); Best Defender: Rahul Shinde (Krida Prabodhini); Best Midfielder & Striker: Aniket Gurav (Krida Prabodhini); Best Player of the Tournament: Talib Shah (Krida Prabodhini).