Mumbai continued their fine form in the final of the West Zone Senior National Hockey Championships at the MHA Mahindra Stadium on Monday. However, unlike their previous matches in which they scored at a rapid pace, Mumbai's players were made to earn their goals from an inspired Vidarbha side, whom they beat 5-1.
For Vidarbha, it was a novel experience as they were playing under floodlights for the first time. The players made full use of the opportunity and never looked like they were overwhelmed by the situation.
Mumbai scored three goals in the first half — all through penalty corners. Two were scored by Suresh Kangujam in the 16th and 26th minutes while Devinder Walmiki scored the other in the 29th minute.
Mumbai have thus qualified for the All-India senior national championship to be played later this year.
Final score: Mumbai 5 (Devinder Walmiki 2, Suresh Kangujam 2, Laxman Rao) bt Vidarbha 1 (Aamir Shabbir Khan)