Hockey
Khalsa closing in on the title

Khalsa 4 Harborne 3

KHALSA managed to beat the weather and moved another step closer to lifting the Midland League Premier Division title after chalking up a 15th straight victory on Saturday.

The hard fought success puts Khalsa 16 points clear of second placed Harborne with just seven games remaining.

Khalsa started well and moved the ball confidently but, against the run of play, Harborne won their first short corner which Scott Angliss cleared.

The visitors grew in confidence and forced several short corners only to be denied by some outstanding saves from keeper Nick Mills.

Khalsa drew first blood with a weighted aerial pass from Jas Singh which found in-form striker Gurminder Ghattaura who coolly slotted home.

Chris Darling dominated the flanks with England masters gold medallist Adie Betts whilst Sean Robinson stamped his authority in midfield.

Ghattaura was on the end of a splendid cross from Scott Cordon to double Khalsa’s lead at half time.

Harborne hit back strongly after the break and increasing pressure was eventually rewarded as they reduced the arrears despite the defensive efforts of Pummi Singh. Harborne equalised from a well worked short corner routine but Aaron Nagra restored Khalsa’s lead with with a rocket short corner leaving the keeper helpless 15 minutes from time.

Khalsa were then punished for an uncharacteristic defensive mistake as Harborne levelled again eight minutes from time.

Khalsa, inspired by Jay Nagra, Surrinder Saini and Mickey Hayer, pressed for a winner which eventually arrived when the quick thinking Jas Singh found Ghattaura who drilled home a shot from the top of the circle to seal another victory.

Khalsa visit Edgbaston this Saturday.

The 3rds cruised to a convincing 5-1 home win over Bloxwich.

Man of the match Seetal Singh Sohal led the way by grabbing his first hat-trick for the club to which Kulbinder Singh Birdi and Navdeep Singh Hayer added.

Khalsa Over 50’s disappointingly bowed out of the National Masters competition at the quarter final stage on Sunday.

Khalsa battled out a 2-2 draw at Bowdon in Manchester and then lost 13-12 in a marathon penalty shoot-out.