SUPER DIVISION LEAGUE

Namdhari XI down fighting KSP

Bangalore: Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) started their title defence with a 5-3 victory over Army Green in the KSHA Super Division hockey league at the SAI South Centre on Sunday.

BPCL were trailing 1-2 in the 27th minute but they managed to garner full points from their opener as Gurpreet Singh converted two penalty corners later in the match while Jarnail Singh, Amar Aiyamma and Pundalik slotted one each.

Earlier, Namdhari XI rode on a perfect first-half show to down a fighting Karnataka State Police 3-1. Namdharis were brilliant with their interceptions and trapping in the opening session that KSP even struggled to hold on the possession.

It was only a matter of time before Namdharis got into the lead. They had to wait till the 17th minute when Gurnet Singh found the target.

The difference between the two sides was evident as Namdharis surged to a 3-0 lead within the next seven minutes. Gurnet deflected in a shot by captain Sher Singh in the 21st minute while Karmjet Singh increased the tally in the 24th.

Regrouping is what KSP have done with perfection in the first phase to qualify for the concluding stage and they did the same in the second-half to check the attacking Namdharis.

The Policemen started to put pressure on the rival defence and their efforts bore fruit when Pradeep netted one in the 54th minute. KSP custodian Ramachandra impressed with some splendid reflex saves including one off a penalty corner a minute before the final hooter as Cops left the field with their heads high after a better secondhalf performance.