The Tribune: It’s Army vs PNB for title

Army beat defending champs Railways in shootout; PNB beat Namdhari

Army XI stunned defending champions Railways to set up the title clash with Punjab National Bank in the Surjit Memorial hockey tournament here today.

The olive greens will make their first final appearance in 20 years after winning a thrilling semis clash. Army XI, who last entered the final in 1996, beating Punjab Police to win the title, twice came from behind to force a shootout. In the end, Army XI beat the national champions 4-3.

After the first semifinal witnessed just one goal — Punjab National Bank’s Gagandeep Singh converting a penalty corner in the 66th minute in their 1-0 win over Namdhari XI — the second semifinal turned out to be thriller.

After a 2-2 finish in regulation time, Army XI came through in the shootout.

Amit Rohidas opened the scoring for Railways in the third minute with a penalty corner conversion. Army XI hit back three minutes later. Sanjib Dung Dung converted a penalty stroke.

Railways again went ahead in the 20th minute through a Rajin Kandulna field goal.

In the 44th minute, Siraju AP converted a penalty corner to level the scores.