Oegstgeest (Holland), April 12 (IANS): India started their European tour on a positive note by defeating Leiden Hockey Club 7-0 in their first build-up game at the Leiden Hockey Club here.
The match started Friday with both teams defending well. It was in the 18th minute when Akashdeep Singh scored the first goal. Three minutes later, Nikkin Thimmaiah scored the second goal.
India kept up the attack and fully dominated the first half. Leiden tried to come back but India’s goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh saved a goal and India didn't let the local club score till halftime, maintaining a 2-0 lead.
In the second half, Rupinder Pal Singh scored two consecutive goals (38th, 39th minutes) through penalty corners. Leiden too got a chance but goalkeeper Harjot Singh saved an excellent penalty corner and to help India maintain a 4-0 lead.
Ramandeep Singh scored the fifth goal (43rd) through another penalty corner. Soon after, V.R. Raghunath scored another goal for the team (45th) by converting another penalty corner before Yuvraj Walmiki sealed the match in the 53rd minute.
Last year too, India had beaten Leiden but with a narrower margin of 3-2. India will next face HGC Monday.
This tour is for the preparation of the team for the FIH World Cup to be held in The Hague from May 31 to June 15.
Result: India 7 (Akashdeep Singh, Nikkin Thimmaiah, Rupinder Pal Singh 2, Ramandeep Singh, V.R. Raghunath, Yuvraj Walmiki) beat Leiden Hockey Club 0.