Jemimah Rodrigues ’tricks and treats all in rink hockey!

UK United’s Jemimah Rodrigues (left) gets past a Sea View player yesterday. Pic/Sameer Markande

India women's cricketer Jemimah Rodrigues scored a hat-trick and set up the fourth goal as Uncle's Kitchen United beat Sea View 4-2 in their Willingdon Catholic Gymkhana (WCG) rink hockey opener on Friday.

Jemimah scored the first two goals inside 60 seconds and then converted a penalty stroke to complete her hat-trick. Not satisfied with that however, Jemimah then set up teammate Vasudha Shetty with a neat pass in front of goal to complete the tally. Pranali Patil and Resham Mahadik scored a goal each for Sea View. Known for her skills with the cricket bat, Jemimah was equally clinical with the hockey stick, mesmirising the 200-odd spectators in the stands. Olympian Joaquim Carvalho, who is also the sports secretary for WCG, was all praise for her.

"I've known Jemimah since she was 10. She used to come to the St Stanislaus ground [Bandra] with her brothers. I had told her father then that she'd play for India one day. She chose cricket, but I'm sure she can also play for the Indian women's hockey team given her skills," Carvalho told mid-day. Carvalho's former India teammate and fellow Olympian Mervyn Fernandis was also impressed. "More than her speed and skill, her sharp game sense is what stands out. She's a busy player, constantly on the move, dribbling and passing," he said.

UK United coach, former India goalkeeper, Adrian D'Souza hailed Jemimah's fitness: "She was spearheading our attack and also falling back to defend throughout. She is extremely fit." Team owner Ronnie D'Souza couldn't have asked for a better start from his captain. "They say well begun is half done, so I'm hoping we can go all the way in this tournament," he said.