Indians finally at home

India were finally at home. For the first time in the second leg of the Friendship hockey series, the hosts played a refreshing game to down...

India were finally at home. For the first time in the second leg of the Friendship hockey series, the hosts played a refreshing game to down Pakistan by two first-half goals in the eighth and final match here tonight.

Sandeep Michael with a wonderful reverse flick, put the home team ahead in the 17th minute and six minutes later Tushar Kandekar banged home from the top of the 8216;D8217; to put India on top in this final match.

However, Pakistan clinched the series by winning the revival series 4-2. It was a consolation win for India as the home team outplayed Pakistan, who were without their main coach Roland Oeltmans.

But India8217;s German coach Gerhard Rach was there and he wanted to prove a point. The decision to play two defenders, five midfielders and three forwards clicked as they played like a cohesive unit.

The return of captain Dilip Tirkey gave more solidity to the defence as the hard-working Viren Rasquinha took back his role as withdrawn back. While Tirkey and Viren were their usual dependable selves it was refreshing to see Ignace Tirkey and Vikram Pillay ruling the midfield. The two kept a tight leash on the Pakistan attack and at the same time pushed the Pakistan defence on the back foot.

The coach8217;s decision to field Prabodh Tirkey in the left half worked as he proved very effective in his role in keeping a watch on the dangerous Kashif Jawad. Vinay on the right complimented Prabodh brilliantly.

Goalkeeper Adrian D8217;Souza was once again outstanding under the bar. The proof of which was world record holder penalty corner specialist Sohail Abbas going goalless. Pakistan earned as many as six penalty corners with Abbas8217; famous drag-flicks being saved by D8217;Souza, who was later was named man-of-the-series. Abbas received US 1000 as 8216;best achiever8217; award. D8217;Souza was richer by US 2000.

India might make it to Champions Trophy yet

	nbsp;	India may make it to the prestigious six-nation Champions Trophy in Pakistan after all, following a communique from the International Hockey Federation asking the Indian team to be 8216;8216;ready to participate if any of the teams pull out8217;8217;. Confirming this, Indian Hockey Federation secretary K Jothikumaran said today that they have already conveyed their willingness to participate in the event to be held in Lahore from December 4-12 later this year. Jothikumaran, however, declined to comment on whether any of the qualifiers have decided to withdraw yet. But it is understood that Australia and New Zealand have expressed their reservations citing security concerns. 8212; ENS	nbsp;