Surjit Hockey Tournament: Indian Railways, Punjab National Bank in last four

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, October 28

Sukhjeet Singh’s hat-trick helped Punjab National Bank Delhi beat star-studded Indian Oil 5-3 at Katoch AstroTurf Hockey Stadium, Jalandhar Cantt, this evening. In another match, Indian Railways Delhi defeated CAG Delhi 1-0. Both PNB and Indian Railways booked their berths in the semifinals.

In Pool A match, Indian Oil Mumbai and Punjab National Bank Delhi played on very fast note. In the 6th minute, PNB’s Sukhjeet Singh scored a field goal (1-0). In the very next minute, Indian Oil scored an equaliser when Affan Yusuf converted a penalty corner (1-1).

In the 11th minute, Armaan Quareshi put Indian Oil ahead by scoring a field goal from the pass of Talwinder Singh (2-1). In the 14th minute, Affan Yusuf scored a field goal after dodging goalkeeper for Indian Oil making it 3-1.

In the 22nd minute of play, PNB’s Bhagat Singh Dhillon converted a penalty corner to reduce the margin (2-3). In the 29th minute, the bank team equalised with a field goal by Sukhjeet Singh (3-3). At half time both teams locked at 3-3. The third quarter was goalless. In the 4th quarter’s 48th minute, Sukhjeet scored another field goal (4-3). In the 56th minute Bhagat Singh Dhillon completed the tally with a penalty corner conversion for the PNB (5-3).

In Pool D, Indian Railways Delhi played fast hockey from the start. In the 28th minute of play, Indian Railways’ Raju Pal netted the ball from left flank to put their team ahead (1-0). At half time, Indian Railways was leading by 1-0. In third and fourth quarters, both teams wasted many chances to score. With this win, Indian Railways earned six points from two matches. Earlier, Railways beat CRPF Delhi 4-2.

Today’s match

Punjab & Sind Bank Delhi vs BSF 3.30 pm