PSB and Namdhari XI cruise into Babu hockey semis

Lucknow, Feb 22 (UNI) Star studded Punjab and Sindh Bank, Jallandhar (PSB) and Namdhari XI coasted into the semi-finals of the 26th K D Singh Babu Memorial All India Hockey tournament here today.

In the first quarter final at the Dhyan Chand Stadium, powered by two sterling field goals by striker Joga Singh, Namdhari XI pipped Punjab State Electricity Board (PSEB) 2-1.

The Namdharis took the lead in 31st minute with Joga Singh scoring an outstanding field goal. The PSEB team, however, went on the offensive in the second session and were rewarded in the 61st minute through the short corner conversion by K Sharma.

The outcome of the match that remained levelled till the full time was, however, decided in the fifth minute of extra time through the golden goal of Joga Singh.

In the other quarter final clash, Punjab and Sindh Bank, Jallandhar featuring national team discard Baljit Singh Saini trounced over South Central Railway Secundarabad by 3-1.

The PSB team dominated the proceedings with all three goals in the first half itself. While Sharanjit Singh opened the team account with a short corner strike in the second minute, the lead was further bolstered by the field goals of Mandeep Singh and Rajwindar Singh, in the 38th and 60th minute respectively.

The railway stick-wielders had a moment to cherish in the second half with Johnson Ekka scoring a consolation goal in closing minute of the clash.

In the remaining two quarter finals tomorrow, while P N B Delhi lock horns with Army XI, Indian Airlines led by mercurial Dhanraj Pillay clash with Lucknow Sports Hostel for a place in the semis.

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