Shastri title for BPCL

NEW DELHI, FEBRUARY 9: A three-goal blitzkrieg in the second half saw formidable Bharat Petroleum (BPCL) overpower spirited Punjab and Sind Bank Academy 4-2 to win the 10th Shastri Hockey Tournament here on Wednesday. The title win was a creditable turnaround for a team that had lost its league match to BSF. Bank Academy boys started in style, taking the lead in the second minute when right back Sharanjit Singh fired a set piece from their first penalty corner (1-0).

BPCL took time to settle down but slowly started dominating the midfield with former internationals Ravi Nayakar and Sandeep Somesh calling the shots.The oilmen restored parity in the 13th minute when inside forward Amar Aiyamma set up right winger Deepak Sharma in the striking circle. Sharma’s crisp shot brooked no answer.

PSBA took the lead again through Lakhwinder Singh who converted an indirect penalty corner (2-1). BPCL equalised again (44th) when forward KT Mohan deflected a pass from Varkey into the cage (2-2).

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The game became roughthereafter and umpire Shakeel Qureshi gave marching orders to two PSBA players, reducing them to nine. Bharat Petroleum fully capitalised on this opportunity.

Varkey gave them the lead for the first time when he pushed home in the 58th minute following a penalty corner.

The oil men consolidated their hold and the lead when they earned a stroke in the 62nd minute. Bank defender manjit Singh deliberately stopped the ball in the circle with his foot after Varkey had set up Aiyamma. Left half MK Prakash flicked high in the cage.