Swift work Army XI's Harpreet Singh (right) tries to score past Atal Dev of IOCL on Monday. DH Photo
Army XI produced a clinical performance to upset Indian Oil Corporation Ltd 2-1 in the men’s section of the 3rd Bangalore Cup All-India Invitational tournament at the Hockey Stadium here on Monday.
A fine effort from Sanjib Dung Dung in the second period put paid to IOCL’s hopes of securing a win. Earlier, Siraju AP (8th minute) had put the Armymen in front but the oilmen fought back and restored parity five minutes later through Gurjinder Singh.
Earlier, a last-gasp goal by Punjab National Bank following a penalty corner by Gagandeep Singh Jr helped them share points with South Central Railway (SCR), who had taken the lead through Raju Pal in the 5th minute.
SCR have booked a semifinal spot and the race for other three berths is still wide open.
Army drew the first blood through a penalty corner, which was expertly converted by Siraju. The goal didn’t deter IOCL, who pressed for an equaliser. Their efforts soon paid dividends as Gurjinder made it all square from a penalty corner.
Sanjib scored the winner for the Army side in the 51st minute through a well taken penalty corner.
DH News Service
Results: Men: Army XI: 2 (Siraju AP 8th, Sanjib Dung Dung 51st) bt IOCL: 1 (Gurjinder Singh 13th); South Central Railway: 1 (Raju Pal 5th) drew with Punjab National Bank: 1 (Gagandeep Singh Jr 70th). Women: Hockey Haryana: 2 (Sarita 5th, Saroj 25th) bt South Eastern Railway: 1 (Poonam Barla 38th); Hockey Odisha: 3 (Rinki Kujur 8th, Elima Minz 20th, Namrata Jasmin Bara 33rd) bt Hockey Maharashtra: 2 (Pinky Devi Thokchom 38th, Ramngathzvali 43rd).