Lions to meet Sher-E-Punjab in semifinals

AVINASH NAIR

“Stakes are much higher and a lot different,” said Arjun Halappa, former International, ace medio and also the captain of Karnataka Lions on the eve of the semifinal match of the inaugural Bridgestone World Series Hockey (WSH) tournament.

The local team, which finished third in the eight-team league will take on Sher-E-Punjab in the first semifinal here on Sunday.

“Everyone had written us off after the string of defeats early on in the league. But once we settled down as a unit we began winning and today there are comments that we are playing the best hockey,” said Halappa, who recovered from a shoulder injury himself and was the architect of the team’s revival.

“It’s been a total team effort. Goalkeeper Devesh Chauhan gave us a life with his fine saves and every one has played their part. Tomorrow is a different ball game, different situation. A win will take us to the title clash and that could be the perfect icing,” Halappa said and added: “Len (Aiyappa) too has come good with his drag-flicks and bailed us out.”

No home advantage

Coach Jude Felix, who has marshalled the available talent well, was not very emphatic about the home advantage: “We lost quite a few home matches and performed exceedingly well at other centres. The gruelling format and scheduling has also been a worry — travelling around, eating different food, etc.There are some niggles and minor hiccups. We will take a call on the morrow.”

About Sher-E-Punjab, Felix said: “We won one and lost the other. They were the first team to enter the knock-out and have some experienced players in their ranks. They led the league table for a long time but suffered setbacks towards the later stages but our boys know what is expected of them and are all committed.”

Sher-E-Punjab which lost to Delhi Wizards in a high-scoring game last night opted for a light session under lights later in the evening. “Against Lions here last time around we did not field our best team and lost. Nevertheless, the bench got a good look-in. But now there are no injuries and all are raring to go, this being a crucial semifinal match. Deepak Thakur, Prabhjot, Gagandeep are all in fine nick and should do well,” said the Punjab coach Rajinder Singh.

It promises to be a good contest.