SHILLONG: The U-14 Football Tournament organised by the Shillong Sports Association began at Ground No. II, Polo, on Saturday with Royal Wahingdoh registering a convincing 4-0 victory over Lummawbah SC.
In the other four matches held on the opening day, Marbisu SC beat Umpling SC 2-0, Pohkseh pipped Rangdajied United 1-0, Shillong Lajong beat Laitkor 1-0 and Mawkhar outplayed Laitumkhrah 3-0.
Two hat-tricks were scored on the opening day, with Rheadolf Nongneng putting three past Lummawbah, while Jerahmel F Hynniewta did the same in the final game of the day.
Jerahmel scored in the 29th, 53rd and 56th minutes to give his side full points.
Rheadolf scored in the second, 52nd and 59th minutes before Rangkitbok Rani added the fourth for Wahingdoh in the 60th.
Lummawbah fought hard but could not beat the strong Royals’ defence.
Marbisu scored a goal in each half. Sbinstar Jana opened the account in the 21st minute while Rapborlang Jana confirmed the 2-0 result in the 48th minute. While Umpling were strong, their lack of finishing cost them the game.
Bantiplang Marwein (12th) scored the lone goal as Pohkseh defeated Rangdajied, who were frustrated by good goalkeeping from Pohkseh’s Wankitbok Lyngdoh, who saved what would have been two sure goals.
Laitkor, meanwhile, troubled Lajong throughout, but it was the latter team that earned the breakthrough with Iaryngkatlang Kharkrang taking his chance and scoring in the 39th minute.
Speaking before the tournament opened, Larsing Ming Sawyan, Meghalaya Football Association President, expressed confidence that the youngsters on the field will be the future pillars of football in the state.
On Monday, Mawryngkneng will play Lumshyiap at Ground No. II, while Nongmulong take on Mawklot at Ground No. III at 4:00pm.