Abahani plunder Sonali Bank

Title contenders Abahani came from behind to hand a massive 9-1 defeat to Sonali Bank in their Green Delta Insurance Premier Division Hockey League encounter at the Maulana Bhasani Hockey Stadium yesterday.

With their ninth win in 10 matches the Sky Blues returned to winning ways, following their 1-2 loss against archrivals Mohammedan SC, and joined Dhaka Marnier Young's Club at second place on the table with 27 points each, three less than league leaders Mohammedan.

The match began an hour later than scheduled due to inclement weather but soon after the rain ceased, Abahani dominated the Bankers, who stunned the Club Cup champions by scoring first in the 14th minute as Deen Islam Emon converted a penalty.

Sonali Bank did hold their superior opponents at bay for the next 10 minutes but Roman Sarker eventually levelled the margin before Ahmed Tajuddin, Taher Ali and Shoilendra Bundela scored one goal apiece to give Abahani a comfortable 4-1 lead by the end of the first half.

After resumption, Abahani added five more goals as Ashraful Islam converting two penalty corners while Roman scored his second. Gunasekar Malayaum and Mohammad Mohsin then struck one each the one-sided affair.

Abahani will now play their last match of the first round against Dhaka Mariner Young's Club on May 29.

In the day's earlier match, Wari Club thrashed Bangladesh Police 7-1, courtesy of a treble from Billah Hossain.