With the day beginning with a group-A tie, Chetak, who have been at the receiving end in two consecutive matches, began on a positive note, with their body language saying it all. They attacked valiantly, though Sangam did most of the running in the first period.

Sangam stepped into the field without regular goalkeeper Vijaykumar Chinnaya, instead a makeshift arrangement in Raju Nikam, who normally turns up as striker took his place. However, the lack of knowledge in the position cost Sangam dearly in the 12th minute. Chetak's Chetan Chavan forcing a pass to Sourabh Supnekar on the left caused panic amongst defenders Rajesh Jakad and Eknath Koram. This resulted in a heap which included 'keeper Nikam.

Sourabh who chased the pass, had little say in what happened thereafter. Rajesh in a bid to clear blasted onto Sourabh's back, who just managed to beat Koram's shielding-tactics. With Nikam, who left charge, crashing into Koram the rebound found its direction right, leaving the threesome as spectators.

Amidst all the confusion that prevailed, Sangam's regular 'keeper who just arrived and was changing remained witness to the fiasco from the sidelines. The unexpected reverse followed with another in the 33rd minute which cost Chetak dearly in terms of points. Sangam in a counter saw Raju Vairat chip well to Nikam, who took his original place up-front, who scored with an effective lob past Varun Khanwalkar, from a seemingly off-side position.

With referee Ambrose Anthony calling for an off-side the decision was disputed by Sangam. A brief consultation with the side-line referee saw Ambrose revert from his decision. Chetak sportingly accepted the decision and play resumed, though their substitute players on the line urged for a protest.

In the second session, Sangam lack of application put paid to their scoring chances. Kiran Sawant, Nikam and Javed's bicycle-kick were best Sangam managed. Later, Mani Vishwanathan's curling flag-kick was neatly controlled by the 'keeper on the goalline.

Deccan lose: A breakaway move on the left by Gabriel Sequeira in the 57th minute, resulting in a goal for OBA was enough to seal Deccan XI's fate after Inacio Rodrigues played a through ball past which caught the defence unawares.

Earlier, after a barren first-session, Deccan earned a penalty through Yogesh Natu who's try ended up with Ranjit Ranade handling. Amit Uchil who stepped-up saw his effort be blocked by Steven T who temporarily took over from Salamat Irani.

After conceding the goal, Deccan had yet another opportunity when Ravi Shetty on the right saw Steven, in a bid to chest handle, leaving referee Simon D'Gama with no doubt to award a penalty. Steven yet again guessed well to thwart Sameer Chavan's try, to make up for his mistake committed earlier.

Today's Fixtures: (Group-A) ELSA v Chetak S.C -- 3.00 p.m.; (Group-B) Youngsters v Thundercatz -- 4.30 p.m.

PACE '99 today
Pace '99, an inter-engineering sports meet organised by the Army Institute of Technology, Pune will be held at the AIT campus from February 26 to 28. Twelve teams will vye for honours in the meet, featuring competition in basketball, volleyball, tennis and badminton.