Rupinder hat-tricks for Chandigarh XI

Chandigarh, Sept 24 (UNI) Chandigarh Hockey Association XI snuffed out the challenge of Rail Coach Factory of Kapurthala by 6-4 in a thrilling second round day-night match of the 38th SN Vohra's All India Gurmit Hockey Tournament at the Sector 42 Hockey Stadium here today.

The highlight of the match was a brilliant hat-trick by Rupinider who scored all his three goals in succession by converting penalty corners in the 53rd, 60th and 65th minutes. Chandigarh XI were given lead by Vikram Saini who scored a field goal in the 9th minute.

Rail Coach Factory hit back and scored two goals through Simrandeep Singh to give his team a 2-1 lead. Simrandeep converted penalty corners in the 14th and 27th minutes. Chandigarh XI neutralised the lead as Vikram Saini scored a field goal in the 33rd minutes.

Talented players from Kapurthala could not be cowed down by Chandigarh XI. RCF got two goals, one from Gagandeep who converted a penalty corner in the 37th minute and the second from Deepak who scored a field goal. With this RCF were 4-2 up. Then came the turning point of the game as Rupinder Singh converted penalty corners in the 53rd, 60th and 65th minutes.

Kamal then rounded of the winners' tally with a field goal in the 69th minute.

Both teams forced four penalty corners each.

Earlier, South Central Railways of Hyderabad defeated Border Security Force of Mohali by 3-0 in another preliminary round match.

The railmen from Hyderabad dominated the game and scored through Parbhakar (3rd minute), Amit Sirvaas (29th) and Mayur (55th, penalty corner). BSF got two penalty corners which they wasted. SC Rlys were awarded seven penalty corners but they could take advantage of only one.

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