More seats and new floodlights planned. The young players also caught the eye. Several who came up through the age-group sides are getting regular chances this season and repaying the faith shown in them.

Sports organisers say better infrastructure and a regular calendar are essential to raise the standard of domestic competition. They also urged more talent-hunt programmes at district level.

Both sides started cautiously in the first half, but the hosts sharpened their attack after the break, and that changed the course of the game.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, the head coach said discipline and patience were the key to the result. Maintaining fitness in the coming matches is now the big challenge, he added.