After a successful tour of Ireland, India’s Jr. women team is all set to start its next programme, tour of Belarus. It ended its Ireland tour with a 3-1 win over Ireland Development team. Having won the Cantor Fitzgerald U21 International 4-Nations tournament, India ended its first leg of the tour on a positive note.
In a close first quarter both teams were keen to establish defensive solidity rather than adventure in attack. First fifteen minutes were devoid of clear cut goal-scoring chances and the teams went into the break locked goalless.
India started stronger in the second quarter and won a PC within the opening minutes. From the PC, Lalrindiki made no mistake converting smartly to give India the lead. If Ireland was shocked, there was more to come, as India's attack kept Ireland constantly on the defensive. At the back end of the quarter India had another PC, and this time it was Ishika Chaudhary who converted to double India's lead. The teams went into half time with India holding a 2-0 lead.
A heavy downpour caused a delay to the restart of the second half, and when the players were eventually called to action, they had only time for one quarter to play.
The delay benefited Ireland who came out faster and with more attacking verve in what would be the final quarter of play. They won two consecutive PCs within the space of minutes, but India's defence and Khushboo in goal kept the chances out and maintain India's two goal lead. With a third PC close to the end, Ireland finally managed to open their account.
In the end though it didn't matter, because within minutes India scored their third, Mumtaz continuing her good form, to win back India's two goal advantage. The visitors held that advantage till the final hooter to take the victory.
The Indian Women Jr Team will now travel to Belarus for a series which is set to begin on June 9
