Two hat-tricks, an equal percentage of ‘away’ wins and reports of India’s first ever professional Bhaichung Bhutia ‘out’ of action for six weeks due to injury could not be the best sum-up of action.However, amidst the tug-of war for points, the pick of the lot were: promoted Dempo SC (Goa), Mohun Bagan and Churchill Brothers (Goa); Reason: maintaining cent per cent records. On merit, however, the Kolkata team gets top-priority after recording two ‘away’ wins.First they crashed Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, courtesy George Ekeh’s hat-trick, his second in the league and then it was Jose Ramirez Baretto who packed full-points from their Southern sojourn at the expense of Indian Telephone Industries.Bagan’s second in command last year — Churchill Brothers, winless after five matches, stunned Mahindra United at the Cooperage. The win for the Goan team left ITI — who incidentally was Churchill’s second profitable mission, the only team after seven rounds to not record a victory. ITI, barring Vasco who they still have to play, thus have been easy meal for the Goan teams.Having spent two years out of Elite League action, Dempo SC’s objective as coach Armando Colaco puts it ‘‘we want to remain.’’The views may sound modest, but on-field Dempo have been the darkhorse so far. A comprehensive 4-1 win against Tollygunge Agragami followed by an equally satisfying day out against HAL, thanks to some inept ’keeping by Subash Kumar, who was playing his first league tie. Teams that would like to forget the week, apart from ITI, include HASC and Chennai-based Indian Bank.
