PSB hold Air India to draw

NEW DELHI, November 20: Holders Air India lost what looked a good opportunity to claim full points in their pool 3 game against Punjab and S...

NEW DELHI, November 20: Holders Air India lost what looked a good opportunity to claim full points in their pool 3 game against Punjab and Sind Bank (1-1), Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL) fought back strongly to down Army XI (3-2) in pool 1 and the seeded Sri Lankans bit the dust (0-10) once again against a tough Punjab Police side in pool 2 to bow out of the the ONGC-Nehru Senior Hockey tournament at the National Stadium here today.

In a fast-paced game, the match hung in balance with both teams playing attacking hockey with PSB having the better of exchanges in the first session. The teams were locked 1-1 at the breather. But it was Air India’s turn to hold sway in the second session. But all their efforts, however, came to naught as Teja Singh under the bar did an admirable job to thwart AI.

Air India who took the lead two minutes into the game when Deepak Sonkhala made most of a cross from right to open the account. But by the 15th minute PSB had equalised through Rajinder Singh Jr, who converted the penalty stroke award, following stick-check by a AI defender.

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Thereafter the game lost momentum but 15 minutes into second half AI infused some life with worthwhile forays. In between PSB’s Parminder Singh-Harpreet Channi combine threatened to rip open the AI defence but they tasted very limited success. Air India’s Rajesh Chauhan paved the way for what would have been a gem of a goal and the eventual winner. But that was not to be. Deepak’s one-handed reverse flick from an awkward angle Teja Singh was out of position hit the left post and rebounded into play to the relief of PSB camp. AI also missed some penalty corner attempts and PSB did precious little in the remaining period to press for a win.

Army XI went up in the very first minute when K. Horo struck and in them 16th minute Prakash Chalke equlised. Army converted a penalty stroke for the lead but SAIL again restored parity through Samir Shaikh. Mangra Munda hit the winner for SAIL in the 41st minute.

It was a one-sided affair for Punjab Police as the Lankans proved mere spectators this afternoon. For Punjab Police, Harinder Singh (3), Jagdev Singh (3), Sarabjeet Singh, Baljeet Singh, Kuljinder Grewal and Harpreet Singh scored.

The way the Sri Lankans played rather not played made everyone wonder if it was worth-a-while to include a foreign team to lend colour to the tournament. Instead, the organisers could have easily given the slot to one of the Indian teams who would have gained by playing alongside the top teams. The Lankans, with very little experience, found wanting in every department of the game and did very little to defend the onslaught unleashed by Punjab Police.