IOB storms into last four

CHENNAI, OCT. 9. Indian Overseas Bank (Chennai) marched into the semifinals with a commanding 4-0 win over a beleaguered Indian Bank (Chennai) in the All India inter-bank hockey tournament, organised by Indian Overseas Bank, under the aegis of Banks's Sports Board, at the SDAT Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium here on Tuesday.

Except for brief spell of attacking hockey in the first half, Indian Bank looked a lost side. L. Prabhakar was the only one who appeared capable of breaking through the solid IOB defence, but with hardly any support from his colleagues, his efforts came to nought. And logically, he faded out of the scene.

IOB, aiming to make it three-in-a-row, had not played a match as a unit since its title win in the senior division league held last May. But it has hardly showed in its performances here.

Anand set up the first goal when his fine pass from the right flank found the energetic Vimalanathan, who gently scooped the ball over the goalkeeper Peter Nathan's head.

Two minutes into the second session, Anand and Felix wasted no time in getting the ball from their end and created a void in the Indian Bank defence. Taking advantage, Gopinath drove powerfully but the shot was almost stopped by S. Prabhakaran at the goal- line. But he could not prevent it from rolling past the marked line.

Whatever few opportunities Indian Bank created in the first half evaporated in the second as IOB began to get better. Gopinath was in his elements once again as his intended drive into the goal was intelligently deflected by International M. Senthil into the post, leaving the goal-keeper completed blinded, stationed as he was just behind Senthil.

R. Rajendran added to Indian Bank's agony by slotting home a well directed shot. With fifteen minutes to go for the hooter, IOB looked good enough to score a couple more, but somehow kept missing the box.

Peter Nathan did come up with a couple of fine saves - like when he swiftly moved to his right to stop a fierce hit, from the defender G. Padmanabhan, off a penalty corner.

Earlier, Canara Bank (Bangalore) defeated Bank of India (Mumbai) 3-0. Ronald Kiran (12th minute), Sunil Benjamin (62) and V. Ramu (65) were the scorers.

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Section  : Sport
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