Border Security Force, Air-India fix up final date

New Delhi, June 30: Dark horses Border Security Force emerged as a new force to reckon with after they stunned defending champions Delhi 3-...

New Delhi, June 30: Dark horses Border Security Force emerged as a new force to reckon with after they stunned defending champions Delhi 3-2 through a golden8217; goal to reach the final of the 29th Junior National Hockey Championship today.

Strong contenders Air-India carried local hopes into the title clash with a hard-fought 7-5 win over Punjab and Sind Bank in the tie-breaker.

An off-colour Delhi disappointed the vociferous crowd with a shoddy display today. They lacked the zeal and killer instinct that earned them the title two years back.

Despite a day8217;s rest, the team hardly looked fresh and enthusiastic. BSF, on the other hand, came out confidently, knowing well that they had nothing to lose against their fancied rivals.

BSF held the upperhand, and Sunil Kumar struck in the 25th minute, beating Delhi defender Rakesh Kumar from the right.

Yet, Delhi refused to come of their shell and remained defensive throughout the first half. In the 42nd minute, Mukesh Kumar capitalised on a move by Deepak, Rohit Sharma and Raj Kumar to equalise for the hosts. But, Delhi failed to sustain theri resurgence, and, two minutes later, a dominant BSF earned a penalty corner which was brilliantly converted by Cristo Pherekka.Delhi pulled abreast again in the 46th minute and, this time, Raj Kumar headed for the goalpost and, finding no opening, sent a pass back to Virender who scooped over the crowded defense to score the second equaliser.Thereafter, both the teams concentrated on their defence, forcing the match to extra time.

In extra-time, BSF scored in the first visit when Linus Ekka capped a move by Harbhajan Singh and Peter Tirkey, with the golden8217; goal in the second minute to seal Delhi8217;s fate.

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After a disppointing show by Delhi, the focus shifted to the other local side Air-India. And the talented youngsters duly obliged with a fine show against PSB.

Both sides were evenly matched and played an open, and delightful game. Creditably, there were never any signs of nerves, despite the fact that both were playing in the tournament for the first time.

But Air-India8217;s star-striker Gagan Ajit Singh was off colour today as he failed badly when it came to scoring. Their substitute goalkeeper Narender Upadhyay was the hero for Air-India as he held the fort with his acrobatic stunts.

Upadhyay kept his cool during the crucial tie-breaker and came up with two brilliant saves.