Northen Railway lift Surjit Hockey women's title

Jalandhar, Nov 15 (UNI) Northen Railway beat Central Railways in a penalty-shootout to lift the 23rd Indian Oil Surjit Hockey women's title here today.

The scores were tied 4-4 at full-time.

Both teams fought neck and neck from the very start and the two sides clashed when Central Railways forwards stormed into the rival D in a collective move. The ensuing tussle resulted in the first penalty corner for Central Railways in the second minute of the match which was converted by Usha(1-0).

However, Northen Railway gave a befitting reply and earned a penalty corner in the fifth minute itself on which Captain Gurpreet secured an equaliser(1-1).

In the 24th minute Northen Railways Pritam got the ball from the right flank and advanced into the D to sound the board from top of the D to give Northen Railways 2-1 lead. Shortly before the half-time Balwinder took the ball and posted a fine field goal for the team(3-1).

Trailing by 1-3 till the half-time, the Central Railways returned in the second half with resolve to stage and comeback they succeeded when Usha again struck in the 41st minute to post her second goal on a well directed shot from close range(2-3).

The next 20 minutes saw both teams fighting neck and neck for the ball and in the process attacked each other but wihtout addition in score. In the 62nd minute Central Railways Sarita successfully attacked to re-secure an equaliser with a flawless field goal.

In their bid to break the tie both teams did their best and both scored one goal each in the dying moments. In the 63rd minute Northen Railway posted a fourth goal to forge ahead by 4-3 but a minute before the final whistle Balwinder again levelled up with superb field goal on pass from Neha(4-4).

Penalty Stroke shoot out rule was invoked to break the tie in which Northen Railway made two goals where as Central Railway could score none.

The winner Northern Railway got the trophy and a cash award of Rs 31,000 while runners up Cemntral Railway got trophy and Rs 21,000 cash.

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