New Delhi, 23 May 2015: The semi-finals clash during the 5th Hockey India Sub Junior National Hockey Championship 2015 (Men) ‘A’ Division today at New Delhi saw four teams embroiled in a tough battle as each aimed to win and book a place in tomorrow’s Final. In the first semi-final clash between Hockey Haryana and Hockey Gangpur – Odisha saw the former stamping their victory over the opponents to march into the Final. The second semi-final clash proved to be a one sided affair as Hockey Odisha beat Hockey Karnataka 3-0.

The first semi-final match between Hockey Haryana and Hockey Gangpur – Odisha was an exciting clash as a score of 4-3 allowed Hockey Haryana to enter the Final. Post an initial round of attack and putting pressure on each other, Hockey Gangpur – Odisha broke the deadlock in the 14th minute when Mandip Kerketta slammed the ball into the nets through a penalty corner opportunity which gave his team a lead in the game. As no further goals was scored in the rest of the session the first half ended in favour of Hockey Gangpur – Odisha at 1-0. The second half saw intense action as both teams looked at scoring and registering the game in their name. It was in the 50th minute when Hockey Haryana finally managed to score the equaliser goal when Vishal Antil ensured that the penalty corner opportunity did not go a waste. Taking a cue from there Hockey Haryana increased their tempo of attack and 56th minute saw them double their score as Abhishek’s field effort bore results. Not wasting much time Hockey Haryana added another goal to their tally in the 63rd minute as Vishal Antil yet again slammed the ball into the nets. With table’s turned in their favour and scores at 3-1, Hockey Haryana looked completely in control of the match but the very next minute Hockey Gangpur – Odisha scored their second goal. It was Albert Tete who scored a brilliant field goal to take the scorecard to 3-2, in favour of Hockey Haryana. Not wanting to lose their hold on the match, Hockey Haryana struck again in the 67th minute as Abhishek again was seen in action in the D and a beautiful deflection from him took the scores to 4-2. In a final desperate attempt in the 69th minute Hockey Gangour – Odisha added another goal but it was too late for them as Hockey Haryana went on to win 4-3.

The second semi-final clash proved to be a easy win for Hockey Odisha as they went on to win the game 3-0 allowing Hockey Karnataka no opportunity to capitalise in the entire game. Hockey Odisha started the game with complete dominance as they were seen in action in the opponents D, looking for chances to score, it was in the 15th minute when Suman Beck pounced on eth penalty corner and gave his team a 1-0 lead. Right before the break, Hockey Odisha doubled their lead when in the 30th minute Ashwin Kujur scored through a field goal. Wit 2-0 lead, the second half saw a similar story as Hockey Odisha dominated and held their defence high which gave Hockey Karnatak no chance to break the shackles. Hockey Odisha scored their third goal in the 39th minute which was because of the brilliant effort by Pradeep Lakra in the D which left the opponents goalie stunned. This proved to be the winning goal and Hockey Odisha with their brilliant performance advance to the Finals tomorrow.

The Final tomorrow will be telecasted LIVE on DD Sports at 4.30 pm.

RESULTS OF THE DAY-

1st Semi-Final : Hockey Haryana 4 Vishal Antil (50min- PC, 63 min-PC), Abhishek (56min- FG, 67min-FG), Parmeet (69min- PC) vs Hockey Gangpur – Odisha 3 Mandip Kerketta(14min- PC), Albert Tete (64min- FG), Amandeep Lakra (69 min-PC)

2nd Semi-Final : Hockey Odisha 3 Suman Beck (15min-PC), Ashwin Kujur (30min-FG), Pradeep Lakra (39min-FG) vs Hockey Karnataka 0