Big guns Sankhamul Futsal registered their first victory in the 'A' Division National Futsal League with a 7-4 victory over Prabhatpheri Youth Club while Rising Club maintained their winning streak defeating Jharana Sports Club 5-3 at the Pokhara covered hall on Wednesday.

A hat-trick by Jenish Prajapati gave first win to the Kathmandu-based Sankhamul, one of the title favourites, who came into the game searching for their first win in the third match. Milan Rai scored a brace for the Dharan-based Rising Club who edged relegation strugglers Jharana from Rupandehi.

The victory lifted Sankhamul, the runners up from Bagmati provincial qualifiers, six places up to second with five points while Rising Club recorded their third victory in a row to strengthen their grip on top of the 10-team contest. Jharana and Prabhatpheri, both of which lost their third match in a row, are yet to open their accounts on the points table.

The win over Tokha-based Prabhatpheri gave a big relief to Sankhamul coach Prakash Pariyar. "A victory was essential after draws in the first two matches. The winning result will also be helpful in maintaining the balance of the team," said Pariyar, adding that his side were unable to live up to the expectations of the brand Sankhamul Futsal.

"We are unable to play to our best due to unfamiliar rules of the game, inadequate recovery time, different type of surface (mat) and new referees. We are not sure how our performance will be in upcoming matches. There could be a big difference between expectations and reality."

Apart from a hat-trick from Prajapati, Mani Lama scored twice including the opening goal in the fifth minute for Sankhamul. Captain Anish Shrestha and Susaan Shrestha were also on target for Sankhamul who went into the break with a 4-2 lead. Srijesh Puri and Dhiraj Joshi netted a brace each for Prabhatpheri in either half.

Prabhatpheri coach Saroj Thapa expressed dissatisfaction over the referee's decision saying a poor refereeing cost his side. "We will file a complaint against the referee. We will try to win upcoming matches and avoid relegation," said Thapa.

In the day's kickoff match, Rising Club scored four goals in the second half after heading into the break with the score tied on 1-1.

Rai, who scored twice including one each in both halves, had given a first half lead to Rising only for Mohan Thapa Magar to equalise two minutes later. Rewosh Maskey, Biku Tamang and Milan Limbu were also on the scoresheet for Rising in the second half. Captain Om Prakash Thapa and Bibek Thapa netted for Jharana in the second half.

Despite the win, Rising coach Yubendra Gurung lamented on injuries of his key goalkeeper and captain Sachin Shrestha. "The goalie picked up an injury while landing in the first half and we are worried about this. The upcoming match would be tough," said Gurung.

Jharana coach Nirmal Thapa said that his side looked weak in the match. "The goalie could not perform well. Most of the players in the squad have come from footballing backgrounds and they tried to play position-wise. In fact, there is no actual position in futsal and they are yet to understand this," Thapa said.