Air India salvage draw, move into semis
Sanjeev Bhalla
Jalandhar
AIR INDIA, Mumbai, became the first team to secure birth in the semifinals after playing out a draw against South Central Railways, Secundrabad, in the ongoing Silver Jubilee Indian Oil Servo Surjit Cup Hockey in Jalandhar on Monday .
Both teams were tied at 2-2 at the end of the regulation time. In the fast paced match, Air India took the lead in the 23rd minute when Sumit Singh capitalised the penalty corner. Amrit Kumar from Central Railways equalised the score in the 33rd minute through a field goal. Both teams were playing 1-1 draw till the half time.
After breather, Mumbai boys again got the lead when Joga Singh scored a field goal by a solo effort (2-1) and in the 64th minute of the game railwayman Vipan Thamiah sounded the board (2-2). Air India entered semi final with 4 points with 1 win and 1 draw. The second match of the day, defending champions Indian Oil Mumbai edged out Namdhari-XI (21). Indian Oil Right back Vikramjit Singh gave the lead by converting the first penalty corner in the 25th minute of the game whereas Namdhali lads missed the same in the 11th minute. Oilmen were leading by one goal at half time. After break, in the 55th minute out-side left Vikram Kant received a pass near the 25 yards lines. He dodged two defenders and scored a fine goal to increase the margin 2-0. In the 57th minute Gurmail Singh of Namdhari reduced the margin by scoring a field goal 1-2.