Air India see off PNB to enter Nehru hockey semi

Eleven-time champion Air India did not expect a struggle for a semi-final slot in the 47th Nehru hockey tournament. Yet, starting their final league match, they went in with a must-win situation and a fighting PNB XI made the star-studded line-up put all their experience into play Monday afternoon at the National stadium.

A quick scan of the Air India line-up would reveal that 10 of the 16 players have recieved the India cap, either at the senior or junior levels; the remaining six have been part of an India camp at various times, including just before this Asian Games. And on Monday, those statistics titled the scoreline 4-1 Air India’s way to ensure them a spot in the last four. And though the scoreline may be flattering to Air India, it does not take away anything from a spirited PNB side.

The match began on a slow note, with teams content to keep the ball in their own halves and gauging the opposition. Birender Lakra scored the opener in the 17th minute off a penalty corner —- in fact, three of the four goals for Air India came off penalty corners —- underlining the fact that the defence was both PNB’s strong point, and it’s nemesis.

Marshalled by former junior India international Bruno Lugun, the PNB defence didn’t allow Air India forwards to make any inroads but their inexpereince and exuberance allowed Air India to find plan B and force penalty corners instead.

Vinaya converted one and Yuvraj Walmiki, who scored a field goal as well, converted the third PC while PNB finally got a consolation goal through Navdeep in the 68th minute. PNB also got 4 penalty corners but were unable to convert any.

ONGC keep clean slate

In another match, ONGC beat Namdhari XI 2-1 to keep a clean slate in their group matches. Harpreet Singh opened the scoring for the Namdharis but ONGC never seemed under any pressure. Captain Bikash Toppo levelled scores in the 19th minute and Mandep Antil, fresh from Commonwealth Games success, coverted a penalty corner in the 49th minute. Meanwhile, Indian Air Force beat South Central Railway 5-4 in a match devoid of any semi-final contention.