The Department Football Tournament took place between the 17th of September and 1st of October. We were treated to several displays of grit and skill, with the usual off pitch bonhomie that adds zest to the matches. Here we give you a condensed summary of select matches of the tournament, as they unfolded this year.
With inputs from Rahul Jose, Navaneeth M.S. and Anand C.V.
Photo credits: Hari A.P.
Day 1:
HS14 vs. HS18: 9-1
The inaugural match of the Intra-departmental football saw HS18, freshies, falling down to the experienced line-up of HS14, in what could be argued as a lop sided match. The overcast sky and breeze looked like an invitation for rain, but it was only the goals that rained down the Sangam ground when HS14 beat HS18 by 9-1. The first half of the match was live and energetic, with both the teams getting huge crowd support, especially from the freshies who had turned up in large numbers. Equal advances and shots were exchanged by both the sides but a few brilliant passes ensured HS14 their first goal by Nityanshu in the 15th minute. However, HS18 didn’t seem to give up their enthusiasm shown from the beginning. Coupled with lightning charges and front attacks, a few minutes before half time, Anand of HS14 crossed the opposition goal line.
The second half however, was a disaster for the freshies. In what seem to be a
cautious match play, HS18 had their defence collapse with opposition goals coming back to back. By the time the sixth goal was scored by Biyas, HS18 was too tired and battered to even handle the ball on their own side. Eventually the match ended with HS14 winning by the largest goal difference of the tournament, when the ball crossed the goal line of HS18 for the ninth time.
The scorers for HS14 were Nityanshu (3), Biyas (3), Adithya (1). The win guaranteed a jump start for HS14 to the semifinals while HS18 has to fight hard to remain afloat.
HS17 vs. Ph.D. scholars: 1-8
The second match of Day 1 was between HS17 and the PhD Scholars at the Sangam Ground. The game began with Sherwin Sanchez leading HS17 and Renjith R.P. leading the Scholars respectively. Both the teams fielded an offensive 3-2-1 formation to make their intentions of winning this game clear. It was the Scholars who drew first blood as Jithin drove home a lobbed ball from Renjith. HS17 were unable to recover from this initial shock. The first half ended with a splendid display of power from the Scholars as they ran riots through the defense of HS17. The score was 4-0.
With the goal difference being so high, there was no chance for the former champions to come back in the game, as the Scholars continued their rampaging run in the second half too. The only moment of relief for HS17 came in the form of a splendid and hard fought goal from Sreesankar. But that was the only moment for HS17 as the Scholars continued to run riots in HS 17’s half and scored 4 more goals in the latter half too. The game ended in an overwhelming victory in favor of the scholars as Jithin, Radheef and Nishant scored 5, 2 and 1 time(s) respectively to make it 8-1 with Sree Sankar scoring the lone goal for HS17.
Day 2:
HS17 vs. HS15: 2-0
HS16 vs. HS18: 1-1
HS16 were prepped to begin their tournament on a good note. The one time finalists had the usual faces of Athul, Savio, Yadu and Allen booted up and ready to take the charge. Facing off against the freshmen, it would seem that the match would be relatively easy. But HS18 has shown itself to be a batch of much gusto, if not skill. The team revolves around the dynamics between Navneeth and Anand, the former being the heart of the team with his playmaking. Though thrashed heavily by HS14, they were up to make amends today. And joining their cause was Matthias, one of the exchange students. With his addition, their effort would gain strength. His addition made all the difference, as HS18 made a great comeback to set up a 1-1 draw.
The match started with HS16 dominating the proceedings. Athul, Yadu and Savio led several attacks into the opposition’s half, coming up short at the last moment. HS16 did not slip up and soon took the lead, Athul chipping a quick one.
HS18 didn’t let up either. The duo of Navneeth and Anand, supplemented by the stocky Matthias were proving to be quite the force themselves. Navneeth is a real find. With his irremovable field presence, and nimble dribbles, he is the lynch-pin of the HS18 side. Anand is the perfect foil to Navneeth, doggedly behind the ball. He can also take quite a lot of knocks, being subject to a number of tumbles on field. And Matthias was their trump card. Initially a cautious figure, lumbering about the edges, Matthias soon assumed a key role in the attack. With his long strides, it was difficult to pin him down once he got started. And he set up the equalizer, a free kick that just slipped under the top bar. Susmit, the HS16 goalie was helpless. The score being levelled, the freshmen did what they could to foil their opposition. Special mention has to be given to Jabbar Ali and Surya from HS18 who kept Athul and Savio under check. HS16 were beginning to lose their coordination, and the clock closed their chances of claiming the match. It was a great effort on the part of the freshmen, coming back from a sharp loss to hold their own against tournament veterans. Though they have been eliminated, they hold great promise, to be seen in the coming editions of the tournament. HS16 will square off against HS14. HS14’s rampage is indicative of its form, but it would be naïve to discount HS16 just yet. HS16 will have to come forth with more than what they displayed against the freshmen.
Day 3:
HS15 vs. Ph.D. scholars: 0-2
HS16 vs. HS14: 1-0
HS16, fresh off the heels of a surprise draw against HS18, needed a victory and nothing less to keep their campaign afloat. HS14, coming from a total rout of the freshmen themselves, were comfortably settled in the semifinals. Led by the seasoned campaigner Adithya Haneef, quite possibly the face of HS football, this was expected to be a walk in the park. But HS16 proved they could never be taken out of the reckoning, as they rallied onward and secured a win, 1-0.
The match started with HS14 pressing hard for shots. Adithya was at the helm of the attack, collecting, assisting and doing much more than would be expected of a striker, a testament to his versatility. Nityanshu played an excellent supporting role, shifting between offence and defence according to the situation. HS16 were struggling to keep up. It took all they had and a bit of luck to prevent HS14 from scoring. And the field being muddy didn’t help HS16’s cause.
In the second half, Athul again proved to be the man of the hour for HS16, scoring the lone goal. Savio sent an aerial pass from midfield, Athul ably collecting it off his chest and duly depositing it past the keeper. Celebrations were due, but the match was far from over. HS14 went berserk in their counter efforts, furiously seeking an effort to score. Credit has to be given to Yadu here, for his marking of Adithya made a significant difference. Towards the final moments of the match, HS14 amped up their efforts, but as luck would have it, they lost.
HS16 put in a good effort, keeping HS14 at bay, even if barely. Both teams have made it to the semifinals. HS16 will now play HS17 and HS14 the Scholars, to determine who goes to the finals.
Semifinals:
HS14 vs. Ph.D. Scholars: 0-3
HS16 vs. HS17: 0-2
It was the second semifinal of the football tournament. Following the emphatic display of the PhD scholars, the question of the second finalist remained. HS17, despite the lack of John, their talismanic captain and defender, have done well. Sherwin has really risen to the occasion, possessing commendable leadership acumen and field skills to match for. The HS17 squad is special in the fact that every one of their players, even the ones who don’t play regularly, give their all. The team sync is really good. HS16 made it to the semis, though not smoothly. The second match against HS14 was one where they barely managed to emerge the victor. Given the concerns for both sides, things seemed set for a showdown.
The match was equipoised in the start, with both teams making good runs. Something that HS16 struggles with, is the lack of a professed striker, one who can slot in goals with confidence. Athul and Savio, though capable of maintaining a run and controlling the ball, couldn’t quite finish their shots. This hurt them a lot, as a lot of chances in the first half were squandered. HS17’s efforts were rendered nil through the efforts of the HS16 defence. But for how long?
This was found out in the second half, when Sherwin put one in for his team, and deservedly so. His presence of mind is amazing, and his furious pirouettes are a sight to watch. Easily their best player after John and clearly a vital presence, his performances will be keenly sought in the coming years. HS16 was starting to look worn out, though they still put up a fight. It was only in the dying minutes of the match that the second goal was scored, Sree Sankar making a lucky chip past Susmit. And with this HS16’s title hopes were put to rest.
The HS17 team put on a scintillating display as debutantes, and have carried their form to their sophomore year. As defending champions, there will be immense pressure on them to preserve their title, from the reaches of a PhD squad that has steamrolled its way into the finals. This final will be one worth watching. HS16 lacks skilled players, but from their unseemly unity has risen several performances that will leave one surprised. Perhaps this motley crew will see better things next year.
Final: HS17 vs. Ph.D. scholars (1-0, sudden death)
The Ph.D. scholars are a unit much older in age than the M.A. students, but their age belies the vitality in their game. With players like Jithin and Renjith fizzing with vigour, the squad has often put up performances defying age expectations. Tearing through to claim the Prem Ranjan trophy last year, their performances this time were reminiscent of the same. Up against HS17, the defending champions who’d sent them packing in the finals last year, they were gunning for glory, and in an exhilarating finish, they did just that. The match was filled with intense moments. Jithin was his usual self, gliding through the field. Dayal, despite an injured leg, helped coordinate the attack. HS17 had the regular set of Sherwin, Suraj, Bala and Sankar at the forefront. Sherwin was forced to play up front to supplement the attack, leaving the defence unbalanced. In a flurry of runs and tackles, both sides managed to score a goal each.
There’s too much to describe here, so let’s just skip to the end. At full time, both teams were at a goal each. So matters proceeded to the penalties. Here Suraj took the gloves from Surya.
Suraj and Naseef, the Ph.D. goalie were impeccable, blocking off every shot that came their way. Naseef deserves a bit more praise, as he had to face the HS17 strike force, more capable than any other. Things were drawn to the wire, with the onset of the sudden death shootouts. After the first round proved empty, Dayal came forth to score, and despite Suraj nearly covering its path, the ball still found a way in. Here Naseef’s nerve prevailed with a bit of luck, as Sherwin’s shot deflected off his palm and off the post, barely rolling past it. With roars of jubilation, the Scholars pranced in the field, adding yet another trophy to their kitty. HS17 played well despite John’s absence, but the Scholars were playing with a zest that was not to be seen in the others. With John making his return next year however, things will get exciting. And so, we’ll have to wait, until next time.
Loser’s Final: HS16 vs. HS14 (1-4)
Preceding the finals was the loser’s final. HS16 and HS14 were meeting for the second time, to decide who’d have possession of third place. Both teams share a cordial bond, on and off the field, and so this match was one of much joviality. Also making the match significant was that it was HS14’s last football game. Not quite the presence in football as they are in cricket, HS14 has nonetheless enraptured the hearts of spectators for the dedication on display. With the lanky Adithya Haneef, player extraordinaire, leading the team for the last time, there was a poignancy to the proceedings that could be ignored, but not missed.
This was HS14’s last match and they were determined to make it worth remembering. Adithya was once again deep in the field, coordinating the attack, leading and supporting in equal measure. Monish and Jonathan were always in the wait for a chance to score. Backing them were Nityanshu and Santosh. Also making the match special were the presences of Biyas and Patil. Biyas, known to one and all for his passion for sport, decided to play the tournament without gloves, and his performance has been really good, even netting in a few. Akshay Patil, the effervescent and ever present senior, was also fun to watch, in his second match of the tournament, tackling with gusto and great shouts. Such a unit, raring to score, was not to be denied. And the aforementioned folk rendered the floodgates open: Monish, Jonathan and Biyas cashed in 3 goals. A powerful kick from close range, a run all the way upto the post, and a sharp chip kissing the corner were the manner of the goals scored. In the midst of all this was also an own goal, that we have chosen to forget. HS16 was fagged out and could do nothing. Savio put up a goal, the only sign of resistance. In all other aspects, HS14 stole the show.
After the match were the customary handshakes and photo sessions. Making it notable was the camaraderie on sight. There was a guard of honor for Adithya, and in the laughter and the banter was present a tinge of sadness and respect, for what we had just witnessed. The HS14 batch has treated the department to a spectacle of sporting goodness lasting five years. Sport isn’t all about technical panache, it is equally about heart and bonhomie, and HS14 embodied that. Batches enter and leave year after year, further games will be played, and yet, as silly as it sounds, such an energy might not remain. Perhaps it would be excessive of me to say this, but in their dedication to sport, HS14 was the glue that brought the department together. Hopefully we will get to see the squad in another garb, for the Prem Ranjan tournament. Until then, here’s thanking them for a good time. Let me rephrase it, a hell of a time.
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