New Delhi: Bharat Petroleum (BP) cruised into the semi finals of the 48th Nehru Senior Hockey Tournament played here at the Dhyanchand Stadium here on Friday after they beat Air India 2-1.
The match started off with Air Indian dominating the show and started on exerting initial pressure on BP. Within the initial moments of the match, Air India forced the first penalty corner of the match but failed to capitalize on it. After that the match saw some tense moments with both the teams trying to make inroads, but nothing could materialize.
The first blood of the match was drawn by Air India in the 33rd minute through Girish Pimpale who came charging in from the left and find the nets. The next two minutes could not see much action and the teams went into the lemon break with as score line of 1-0.
After the change of ends, Bharat Petroleum came out on the field with a fierce intent and looked to go for the kill straight away. They created many prospective chances but remained eluded of the glory. They however got the reward for their perseverance in the 62nd minute when Hari Prasad pulled off the equalizer. With scores at level at just eight minutes remaining for the final whistle, an exciting finish looked on the cards and it looked like either side could walk away with it. But in the 66th minutes all speculations were put to rest as Gurpreet Singh struck the winning goal off a penalty corner.
They now meet ONGC XI in the semi finals, who scored a 4-3 victory over the formidable Indian Oil. Indian Oil which started as favorites in the match, with International stalwarts like Prabjot Singh and Deepak Thakur did play to their character, but saw sheer domination especially in the second half.
Indian Oil, who got the lead in the 31st minute through Deepak Thakur, went on to defensive mode, which actually led to their downfall. Five minutes into the second half, ONGC pulled off the equalizer through Gurwinder Singh Chandy. After getting the equalizer, ONGC launched a series of attack through the right, and took the lead in the 60th minute through Arju Antil. Two minutes later, S.K Uttappa of Oil India scored the equalizer and left the match wide open.
Within the next eight minutes, both the teams exhibited some good hockey, and the match saw three goals, including the winner from ONGC. The match saw neck to neck battle and never allowed the match to get monotonous. Oil India did whatever they could, but could not stop the ONGC side from progressing into the semis.
