IOC upset reigning champs Army XI, Airlines halt TN run

Chennai, Dec 23 (UNI) Star-studded Indian Airlines and Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) recorded an identical 2-0 win to enter the semi finals of the 83 rd All India MCC-Murugappa Gold Cup Hockey tournament here tonight.

While Indian Airlines, inspired by former India captain, the mercurial Dhanraj Pillay, defeated Tamil Nadu through goals by Sameer Dad (third minute) and Pawan (46th minute), IOC ousted reigning champions Army XI, with Deepak Thakur (14th minute) and Raghu Prasad (46th minute) finding the target.

In the semifinals tomorrow, BPCL will take on Namdhari XI, while Indian Airlines will meet IOC.

The home team was unsettled by the third minute strike by Sameer Dad, who had all the time in the world to score off a cross from Arjun Halappa. In a combined move, Dhanraj fed V S Vinay, who relayed the ball to Halappa, who moved into the striking area and crossed to Sameer Dad to provide the finishing touches.

Tamil Nadu, egged on by the home crowd, hung on gamely and forced a couple of good moves, but lacked finishing. The defence also rose to the occasion in keeping the Airlines forwards at bay.

After the resumption, Airlines enhanced the lead in the 46th minute when Pawan made the most of a cross fcrom Vinay. Tamil Nadu pressed hard but success eluded them.

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