ISLAMABAD: Sindh Colours and Whites registered comfortable victories in the National U-18 Hockey Championship here at the Naseer Bunda Hockey Stadium on Thursday.

Punjab Whites, in the third match of the day, overcame Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Whites in a close contest.

In the day’s opening match, Sindh Colours routed Balochistan 7-0 with forward Human Rizwan registering a hat-trick. He was assisted by Saharib Ahmed, who scored a brace and Mohammad Hamaz and Salim Nazir (one goal each).

Sindh Colours throughout the match dominated the proceedings, not allowing their opponents any room to attack.

Meanwhile, Sindh Whites overpowered Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Greens 5-2.

Though forward Ismail Khan gave KP 1-0 lead on the fourth minute, the team could not maintain it as Sindh Whites levelled through Mohammad Arslan (12th minute) who netted the second goal on 33rd to put his team ahead.

Then goals from Aan Aghan, Abdullah and Moham­mad Faheem further extended the Whites’ lead to 5-1.

Amir Arshad of KP scored a consolation goal which only reduced the margin of defeat.

A thrilling match, the day’s last, was played between Punjab and KP Whites.

After an exciting seesaw competition, Punjab ultimately won the battle 1-0 as Rao Mohammad Ali scored the goal.

Meanwhile, PHF secretary Shah­baz Senior, who witnessed the matches, lauded the youngsters’ show.

“I’m impressed with the performance of these young players though they need further grooming,” Shahbaz said. “As regards their fitness level, I think it’s is not up to the mark but we will work on it.”

After Eid-ul-Azha, the PHF would set up a training camp in Islamabad for those players who would be short-listed after this championship, he said.

Published in Dawn, May 27th, 2016