JALANDAHR, NOV 7: Border Security Force of Jalandhar pulled off the biggest upset by shocking defending champions Punjab Police by 3-1 in a pool `A' fixture of the 15th Indian Oil Surjit Hockey Tournament at the Burlton Park stadium. In another pool `A' encounter formidable Air -India of Mumbai and Punjab State Electricity Board, Patiala played a two-all draw to split points.In Pool `B' favourites Punjab and Sind Bank prevailed over Rai Coach Factory of Kapurthala by 2-1.
Earlier, in Pool `A' PSEB and former finallists Air-India were held two-all in a hard-fough match. The airmen forged ahead in the 12th minute through inside-left Edward Arhana. A few minutes later PSEB could have neutralised the lead. However, centre-forward Bhupinder Singh Junior failed to connect a nice cross from outside-right Kuljit Singh.
In the second half, Air -India muffed four penalty corners. In the 43rd minute PSEB restored parity through Hardyal Singh. Maintaining the pressure, PSEB forged ahead in the 68th minute whenDeepak Thukral sounded the board with a powerful shot. It was Devinder Kumar who helped Air -India to share honours.
In a pool `B' match, Punjab and Sind Bank beat Rail Coach Factory by 2-1.
Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
Printer-friendly page