Indian Airlines land into finals

Jalandhar, Nov 1 (UNI) Indian Airlines took their appointed place in the final of the 24th Indian Oil Surjit Hockey Tournament after getting the better of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited of Mumbai by 3-1 in the first semi-finals at the Olympian Surjit Hockey Stadium here today.

Indian Airlines were strengthened today with the inclusion mercurial Dhanraj Pillay and Indian captain Prabodh Tirkey for the first time in this tournament.

In the 13th minute V.S Vinay netted from the lovely pass of Sandeep Singh from top of the stricking circle to give IA the lead (1-0).

Three minutes later Indian Airlines Olympian Sandeep Singh converted a penalty corner with drag flick ( 2-0). In the 26th minute Bharat Petroleum got the second penalty corner and penalty corner expert Gurpreet Singh make no mistake to reduce the margin (1-2).

Indian Airlines were leading by 2-1 at half time.

Indian Airlines captain V.S Viney converted a penalty corner to increase the lead 3-1 in the 58th minute.

After that Bharat Petroleum mounted pressure and in the last seven minutes they forced six penalty corners in a row but to no avail.

Indian Airlines will meet the winners of the second semi-final being played between Punjab and Sind Bank and IndianOil.

UNI