Date:19/04/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/04/19/stories/2008041956251800.htm

Sport - Hockey

Army to clash with BP

MUMBAI: Sunil Ekka marshalled the Army XI attack with a tireless performance as his team edged out Air-India (Mumbai) 2-1 in the semifinals of the 46th Bombay Gold Cup hockey tournament here on Saturday.

Bharat Petroleum (BP), cruising through the league phase, proved too creative and destructive for Karnataka XI, winning 5-1 at the Mahindra stadium in the other semifinal. Playmaker Sabu Varkey was used in short stints to keep him fresh for the challenge ahead on Saturday.

Army set a hot pace for AI, continuing from where it left off against the star-studded AI (North) in the quarterfinal league. Ekka’s darting runs through the defence and sharpness in the danger zone stood out.

He collected a yellow card for a deliberate foul, but otherwise played his heart out, scoring the second goal with a shot on the run and later forced a reflex save from rival goalkeeper Gurpeet Singh with a reverse hit.

Chitranjan Singh put the Armymen ahead with a snap shot after AI was rattled with an Ekka shot on to the upright.

Len Aiyappa, distinctive on the field with his powerful frame and drag flick prowess, struck with the second penalty corner just before the final whistle to help AI pull one goal back.

Fine efforts

Bharat Petroleum led 4-0, highlighted by fine field goals from Jarnail Singh and Hari Prasad, before Karnataka XI came into the picture. The former, exchanging passes with Amar Aiyamma, slammed home first-time.

Prasad got his name on to the scorer’s list with a stinging reverse hit from an acute angle.

The tournament is organised by the Mumbai Hockey Association.

The results (semifinals):

Bharat Petroleum 5 (Bipin Fernandes, Jarnail Singh, Gurpreet Singh, Hari Prasad, Devender) bt Karnataka 1 (Laxman Rao).

Army XI 2 (Chitranjan Singh, Sunil Ekka) bt Air India (Mumbai) 1 (Len Aiyappa). — Special Correspondent