AG Bihar suffer 'sudden death' in Audit Hockey

Chandigarh, Dec 1 (UNI) Despite enjoying the territorial supremacy, Accountant General Bihar suffered 'sudden death' in the final against hosts Accountant General Punjab 4-3 via tie-breaker in the Inter Zonal IA and AD Hockey Tournament here today.

The teams played an exciting one-all draw in the stipulated 70 minutes and even after 10 strokes in the tie-breaker session, the deadlock continued.

In the sudden death tie-breaker Sumant Kumar of AG Punjab converted his stroke while Manbahal Herenj muffed his try and the hosts emerged champions.

In the tie-breaker session, AG Bihar were leading by 2-0 before last year's runners-up AG Punjab rallied and converted their defecit into profit. Manbahal Herenj and Yakub Nag converted their strokes for AG Bihar. Jiwan Masih Dang, Manog Toppo and Xavier's Gidh frittered away their tries.

For AG Punjab, Daleep Singh and Manjit Singh met with success.

Tabish Hayat, Manoj Kain and Sumant Kumar were wayward with their strokes. Then came the sudden death tie-breaker session.

Earlier, AG Bihar took an early lead when Yakub Nag scored a field goal in the third minute and they kept the slender lead intact in the first session. Cheered on by their supporters and playing before the home crowd, AG Punjab hit back in the second half and neutralised the lead in the 49th minute when Inderjeet Singh converted a peanlty corner.

Former Indian chief hockey coach Harmeek Singh gave away the prizes to winners and runners-up. M K Dhillion, central observer from Comptroller and Auditor General of India was also present on the occasion.

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