Indian women's hockey team loses 2-10 to Dutch club men's team

IANS
This is their second consecutive loss to a Dutch club team.

Valencia, Feb 21 (IANS): A clinical all-round display helped the men's team of Dutch hockey club HDM JA 1 beat the Indian eves 10-2 here.

Preparing for the Hockey World League (HWL) Round 2, to be held in New Delhi March 7-15, the Indian team completely struggled against the Dutch club Friday.

The Dutch men looked menacing from the start and dominated with great speed and counter-attack skills. This took them to a much deserved win with 10-2 on the scoreboards.

The game was expected to be played at good pace but the Indian eves could not match to the speed of the brawny men of HDM JA 1.

However, it did not deter the Indian eves to get into action and attack and it was striker Poonam Rani who was successful in the 32nd minute of the game when she penetrated the defence of the Dutch men through a penalty corner deflection and scored for her team.

Another fine field goal was scored by Poonam in the 52nd minute of the play by a good exchange of ball between Anupa Barla and Poonam Barla which gave the team a motivation to score further but went in vain.

On the other hand, HDM JA 1 men scored ten goals out of which seven were field goals and the three very well converted penalty corners.

The Dutch team also comprised members of the Netherlands Under-19 squad who showcased brilliant stickwork to have it easy.