PUNE, SEPT 15: Their patron saint was a master carpenter. But St Joseph's (Kirkee) are artisans on a hockey pitch.Their craft with the ball and stick has brought three Inter-School titles this season. The under-14, 15 and 17 crowns suggest that hockey is a cherished tradition at the Kirkee school.Coach Gutkal Bharat radiates satisfaction but in a quiet, modest way. And Principal Fr Joachim Patrick, even while lauding his teams for exemplary performances, reflects on missing out o a quadruple rueing the defeat of the under-17 side on penalties in the Zilla Parishad semifinals. The competitive spirit is unmistakable, the boys' happy-go-lucky demeanour notwithstanding. Or the fact that studies are given prime importance.Coach Bharat explains: ``We make it a point to select boys who have consistent academic records. For two reasons: They make better players and they are more likely to handle both pursuits better.'' Alvin Alexander is a point in case. The centre-forward's display has done much to script success for the under-14 and 17 sides. And Alvin, scorer of six out seven goals in one match out of 11 in the under-14 tournament is ranked 10 in his class.''Playing hockey and attending class may not be among the easiest things to do. The lunch break and concession to utilise the following class for practise enables the boys hone their skills. In time, many don colours of Joseph's Pride - a team of current and former students in the Maharashtra Hockey Association leagues and tournaments. Although the surface is mud, St Joseph's have adjusted well on the Poligras pitch at the PCMC Stadium in Pimpri - scene of their successes.Hard road-running makes for endurance and attention to the requirements of modern hockey has spelt success for Bharat and his boys. ``We endeavour to pass the ball first-time over three-fourths of the pitch, breaking into individual skills if needed only beyond the opponents' 25-yard line,'' Bharat reveals. One wishes Indian hockey at large was listening.
