Indian Oil clinches Beighton Cup
SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT
Indian Oil lifted the Coal India 116th all-India Beighton Cup hockey title for the second time in three years, defeating ONGC by a brace of goals in the final at the SAI ground here on Friday.
Indian Oil clinched its first crown in 2009 and finished runner-up to Air India last year. Indian Oil exacted sweet revenge by eliminating Air India in the semifinals.
There was never any doubt about Indian Oil’s superiority. Playing to plan and showing great coordination, it dominated the opening half with some incisive moves.
Indian Oil looked to Dharamvir Singh to provide the impetus in the first half, but the lanky striker failed to find his rhythm amidst some tight marking by the ONGC defenders.
Constantly under pressure, ONGC had limited options and relied mostly on counter thrusts which enabled the side to enter the striking circle on a few occasions.
However, some tough tackling by the Indian Oil defenders kept ONGC at bay.
BRAVE BALJIT
After the change of ends, Indian Oil goalkeeper Devesh Chauhan made way for Baljit Singh. ONGC launched a blitz just 10 minutes inside the half, forcing three penalty corners in quick time.
However, a brave Baljit stopped everything that was struck at him.
It was Indian Oil which sounded the boards first, through the hardworking Affan Yousuf in the 58th minute. S.K. Uthappa weaved his way into the circle and his shot beat the ONGC defenders.
Yousuf, following the course of the ball, clipped it over the diving goalkeeper Dinesh Ekka.
Three minutes later, Indian Oil enlarged the lead due to the casual approach of an ONGC defender.
Yousuf put through Bharat, who flicked the ball home with ease. Baljit was adjudged the ‘man of the final’ and awarded Rs. 10,000.
The winner took home Rs. 1.5 lakh while the runner-up received Rs. 1 lakh.
The Union Sports Minister, Ajay Maken, distributed the trophies.