Sikh Regiment, western Railway register wins

New Delhi, Feb 24 (UNI) Man of the Match Harjit Singh struck a brilliant field goal in Sikh Regiment Centre's facile 2-0 win over Indian Navy while Western Railway edged past MEG Bangalore 2-1 in the Phase I of the All India Maharaja Ranjit Singh hockey tournament today.

In the first match at the Shivaji Stadium here, Sikh Regiment Centre dominated the proceedings from the start. Their persistent attacks paid off in the 20th minute when Harjit netted a brilliant goal to put his side ahead.

Vinay Kumar converted a penalty corner in the second half (57th minute) to make it 2-0.

The second match between Western Railway and MEG Bangalore was more keenly faught. Both sides played defensive hockey and failed to find any opening in the first half.

The railwaymen switched over to offence after the breather and were rewarded by a penalty corner in the 48th minute of the game.

Amarjit Singh siezed the opportunity and sounded the baord to put his side ahead. Reinvigorated after tasting the blood, the railway team doubled the lead through Chandrakesh's field goal in the 54th minute.

Down 0-2, the Bangalore team showed some urgency and were able to reduce the gap in the 66th minute when Anil Ming, capitalising on a defensive lapse by the railway team, found the net.

MEG, despite putting in all efforts, failed to find the equaliser.

UNI DH SC RK1750