Strykers shoot out Comets, enter final

NANDAKUMAR MARAR

Pune Strykers, inspired by Mario Almada, clawed its way back from a 1-4 deficit to draw level in full-time and then goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh excelled in the penalty shoot-out to guide his team home 7-6 against Chandigarh Comets at the Bridgestone World Series Hockey semifinals on Sunday.

The custodian pulled off three audacious saves to deny Ramandeep Singh, Sukhwinder Singh and captain Rehan Butt. Both sides were tied 4-4 at regulation-time.

The first quarter was action-packed, producing three goals. Golden Stick contender Gurjinder dragged in the first in regal style for Chandigarh five minutes after start.

Almada dived at the goalline a minute later to tap home the equaliser after a Birender Lakra backhander slipped through the defence.

Strykers’ celebrations were cut short by Ramandeep’s field goal, an opportunistic slide at the right post to guide the ball onto the boards as both sides trooped out at the break.

GREEN CARD

In the second quarter, Gurjinder was sent out with a green card for a nasty tackle. The green shirts could not cash in on numerical advantage till the half-time.

Sher Singh created two goals as Chandigarh spurted ahead 4-1 with a sudden burst. The right winger set up the third with a smooth trap and turn, sending defenders the other way. Ajitesh Roy slotted in the rebound rolling back into play off the post.

Brilliant field goal

Then, Sher linked up with captain Butt for a brilliant field goal. The Pakistan striker found space near the post to deflect in a cross from the right off his stick — minimal effort for maximum effect.

Chandigarh defence was caught unawares in the third quarter. Tyrone Pereira reduced the deficit for Strykers with a fierce smash onto the boards off a rebound.

Down 2-4 and needing to do something special for a comeback, Pune came out determined in the fourth quarter.

Bikash Toppo raised the excitement levels with a fierce backhander on the run, the ball looping away from the Chandigarh custodian as the deficit was reduced to 3-4 with the final whistle eight minutes away.

Three penalty corners back-to-back and the eighth of the match kept Pune Strykers’ hopes alive. Simranjeet dragged home for 4-4 at the final hooter, extending the semifinal into penalty shoot-out.

The results (semifinals):

Pune Strykers 4 (Mario Almada, Tyron Pereira, Bikash Toppo, Simranjeet Randhawa) drew with Chandigarh Comets 4 (Gurjinder Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Ajitesh Roy, Rehan Butt) at full-time. Pune Strykers won 7-5 via penalty shoot-out.