The India Junior team ended their England tour with a well deserved 3-1 win at the National Sports Centre, Bisham Abbey.

Having lost last two encounters on identical 1-2 scoreline after thumping in the opener (7-1), the tournign Indians needed a win today to level the series 2-2, and they did the same in style.

In the last of four game series was played in cold and drizzly conditions on Monday evening.

England began the stronger and took the lead in the fifth minute. England attacked down the left flank. Chris Proctor ran unopposed along the India baseline and pulled the ball back for Ed Horler to slot home (1-0).

India were generally poor in the first half as they kept forcing the ball and giving possession away cheaply in midfield.

England were gifted their first penalty corner in the 11th minute but the Indian defence covered well.

Despite missing many gilt edged chances, Indians could not move the scoreboard. But need not wait for long. India created their first PC in the 14th minute. Varun Kumar slotted the ball home low to the keeper Reynolds right to make the score 1-1.

India remained there in the scoreboard despite creating two more penalty corners in the six minutes gap between 25th and 31st.

England had a chance to take the lead but the 33rd minute attempt was thwarted by Suraj Karkeria in the India goal. It was an impressive save.

The teams went into the break 1-1.

India took the lead straight from the push back as Santa picked the ball in midfield and crashed a ball straight up the middle into the circle for Parvinder Singh to deflect past the keeper (2-1).

England went looking for the equaliser and created 2 PC’s in quick succession. Both were well saved.

India played much better in the second half and controlled the game for large spells. They played much more fluidly and kept England pegged back in their half.

India’s good play was rewarded when Simranjeet Singh crashed the ball across from the left flank. The ball rebounded of the post and Vikramjit Singh was on hand to flick home to make it 3-1.

Both teams exchanged PC’s but no further goals were scored.

India closed out the game to level the 4 -match series 2-2.

England forward Peter Scott summed up his thoughts at the end ” I thought we played well today but were a bit sloppy in defence. India played well especially in the second half. It has been an excellent learning experience for the lads playing these four games against quality opposition.”

Photo Courtesy: Avtar Bhurji