Baljeet ensures trophy for Punjab Police

By Our Sports Reporter

BANGALORE, APRIL 16. After two days of stimulating hockey leading up to the final of the U & I Champions hockey tournament, the clash between Punjab Police and Bharat Petroleum Corporation limited turned out to be as damp and gloomy as the prevailing weather conditions here on Monday.

However the thrilling moments came when after a goalless full session the match went into the tie-breaker and with the scores still level was decided by sudden death. Punjab Police thanks to some fine goal-keeping by Baljeet Singh during the tie-breaker and sudden death pipped Bharat Petroleum Corporation limited 6-5 to win the trophy.

The final was expected to be another intense match. But with the rains constantly falling down during the game it turned out to be a slow paced affair. There were moments of excitement but chances went abegging. In the first ten minutes Deepak Sharma's cross to Ravi Naicker and later Sandeep Somesh's bull charge was intercepted by Manpreet Singh.

Both teams were unable to convert the penalty corners with Jude Menezes effecting some neat saves for BPCL and luck playing a huge part for Punjab Police. Sandeep Somesh's back flick off the second penalty corner to Anurag Raghuvamshi, who hit a sizzler saw it crash into the left upright.

Punjab Police too had its moments of misfortune. Off the third penalty corner Jude Menezes was in his elements for BPCL pulling off a double save in quick succession.

With no change in the scoreboard during regulation time the stage was set for the tie-breaker. Punjab Police brought in its second goal-keeper Baljeet Singh to do duty under the bar and the change paid off.

Daljeet, Baljeet, Kamalpreet and Prabhdeep scored during the shoot-out for Punjab Police while Tejveer Singh Lucky was unlucky.

His shot was saved by Jude. For BPCL Prakash, Ravi Naicker, Anurag Raghuvamshi and Amar Aiyamma scored while Bipin Fernandes muffed his shot hitting straight to Baljeet. The sudden death was signalled and Baljeet and Daljeet scored for BPCL while Prakash began well for BPCL and it was upto Bipin Fernandes to keep it afloat.

However, after being the hero of the semifinal Bipin Fernandes fell short of expectations and once again hit direct to Baljeet Singh. Punjab Police took home a glittering trophy and a cheque for Rs. 2 lakhs as the victors purse.

Mr K.P.S. Gill, President of the IHF gave away the trophy.

The following special prizes were also awarded: Player of the tournament: Prabodh Tirkey (Indian Airlines - wins a Yamaha motorcycle); Most Promising player: Jugraj Singh (IHF juniors - wins a computer); Top Scorer: Sameer Dad (Indian Airlines - FD of Rs 25,000); Player of the final: Anurag Raghuvamshi (BPCL) and Best Goalkeeper: Manpreet Singh (Punjab Police)

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