PNB, SSB win in Liberals hockey

Tribune News Service

Riding high on their forward line the Punjab National Bank New Delhi team crushed their opponents, the Jammu and Kashmir Police 3-0 on the third day of the 35th Liberals All India Hockey Tournament being played at Punjab Public School Hockey stadium, Nabha.

In the other matches of the day Western Central Railway Jabalpur won a close encounter by defeating Sports Hostel Lucknow 3-2 while Rail Coach Factory Kapurthala were drubbed by SSB New Delhi 3-2 in the last match of the day.

Starting their day on a chilly morning, Punjab National Bank New Delhi meant business and they gave no opportunity to the J&K Police, thus making the entire contest a one sided affair. With measured passes coming to the forward line from centre half Jaswinder Singh and left-half Ranjit Singh, their forwards easily penetrated the police defence repeatedly. They shot in to an early lead in 3rd minute (1-0) when left-back Satpal converted through a penalty corner.

Inside-left Navdeep Singh consolidated the lead to 2-0 in the 10th minute. In the 29th minute Damandeep Singh gave a formidable 3-0 lead to the bankers when he tricked a bunch of defenders and scored after dodging goalkeeper Inderpal Singh. However despite numerous attacks in the second half, the J&K Police managed to prevent further damage and conceded a 3-0 win.

Following a hat-trick by Mohamad Taj, West Central Railway Jabalpur steamed past hard fighting Sports Hostel Lucknow with a narrow 3-2 win. Both teams exhibited great skills and showed some class hockey which was much appreciated by the crowd that came in to enjoy the match in the bright sunshine. Inside-left Imran Khan helped Sports Hostel Lucknow to take a lead of 1-0 in the 25th minute of the game by collecting a centre from outside-right Sailesh Singh. Railmen hit back quickly and scored an equalizer in the 32nd minute with a full blooded shot by inside left by Taj. Buoyed by their success Railways, tasted blood and their forward Mohamad Taj managed to find a gap in the opponents defence and added another goal for his side in 42nd minute with a sharp hit that beat all.