FIH pro league: India lose to England in intense tie

The Indian men’s hockey team fought hard but England skipper Sam Ward’s brace handed the hosts a 2-3 defeat in a FIH Pro League match here on Monday.

England struck first blood through Jacob Payton (15th minute) before Ward (19th, 29th) struck twice to stun the hosts. India’s goals were scored by Abhishek (18th) and Sukhjeet Singh (39th).

It was even-steven between the two sides in the first quarter with both the teams pressing each other for the early goal.

The Indians, however, were guilty of committing unforced errors in defence, especially skipper Harmanpreet Singh, who looked out of sorts. From one such error, England scored through Payton from a field effort.

Abhishek levelled the score three minutes later from a fine field effort. But England stunned India again a minute later when Ward scored a brilliant field goal after a fine one-two with Payton.

England then secured back-to-back penalty corners in the 24th minute but failed to utilise the opportunities.

The Indians were the dominant side on display as England struggled to get out of the defensive third in the second quarter despite taking the lead. But the Indian defence crumbled again as Ward scored his second of the day from an unforced error.

India secured a penalty corner in the 39th minute, which was denied after England took the referral. Seconds later, Sukhjeet deflected in Hardik Singh’s hit after he was served by Sanjay’s fine pass.

Minutes later, India secured two more penalty corners but wasted both as Harmanpreet looked off colour. In the 49th minute, Dilpreet Singh came close to scoring but his reverse hit was brilliantly saved by England goalkeeper James Mazarelo. Minutes later, Mazarelo made a double save to deny Uttam Singh.

The English won a penalty corner in the 46th minute but wasted the chance. Trailing by a goal, India pressed hard and won a penalty corner just a minute from the final hooter but Harmanpreet’s flick was saved by Mazarelo.

The win sent England to the top of the table, while India remained fourth. The two teams will again play on Tuesday.

Women lose

The Indian women’s team wasted chances galore to lose 2-4 to reigning Olympics champions Netherlands. The Indians had the better share of scoring chances — 13 penalty corners as against Netherlands’ three — but couldn’t capitalise on the opportunities. Netherlands scored through Emma Reijnen (7th), Felice Albers (34th, 47th) and Fay van der Elst (40th) to come out winners.

India’s goals came from penalty corner conversions by Udita (18th, 42nd).

It was stalwart India goalkeeper and former skipper Savita Punia’s 300th international match. India, down in seventh place, will again play table-toppers Netherlands on Tuesday.