The Hindu : Sport / Hockey : Orissa Steelers triumphs

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Monday, Jan 23, 2006

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Sport - Hockey

Orissa Steelers triumphs

Chandigarh: Orissa Steelers prevailed over plucky Imphal Rangers 3-2 in the title-deciding match and lifted the Premier Hockey League Tier II title here on Sunday.

In a do-or-die battle, the Steelers rallied smartly to level the score in the 52nd minute before snatching the match-winner in the 67th minute through Rajesh Lakra, who converted a penalty corner with a stinging drag-flick.

With this crucial triumph, the Orissa side, led by captain Sunil Ekka, topped the five-team double round robin league with 21 points from eight matches. They won seven matches and lost one.

The fag-end goal by Orissa Steelers dashed the hopes of Chennai Veerans. The Chennai side, with 19 points from seven victories and one defeat, finished runner-up. Delhi Dazzlers was third with eight points, Lucknow Nawabs fourth with seven points and Imphal Rangers last with five points.

Orissa Steelers scored through Sunil Ekka (1st minute), Anand Virkey (52nd) and Rajesh Lakra (67th). Imphal Rangers' goal-getters were Kh Jayant Singh (13th) and T. Brojen Singh (31st).

The winners received the trophy from the Indian Hockey Federation President, K.P.S. Gill. Besides the trophy, the winners were presented a cheque for Rs 4 lakh. The title win ensured Orissa Steelers promotion to the Tier I in the next edition.

Sunil Ekka of Orissa Steelers was adjudged man of the tournament and Chennai Veerans defender Raghunath was top-scorer with 10 goals.

Players injured

India internationals Rajpal Singh and Baljeet Singh of Chandigarh Dynamos were injured in a road mishap in the city on Sunday, police said. Both have been admitted to a private hospital in Mohali. According to doctors attending on them, both were stable and were being kept under observation. — Agencies

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