SAI Lucknow go down meekly in semis

Punjab National Bank and Punjab and Sindh Bank on Tuesday set up the final clash of the 35th All-India KD Singh ‘Babu’ Prize-Money Hockey Tournament, notching up contrasting wins in the semi-finals here. Delhi’s PNB had to struggle hard before scripting a 3-1 win against Air Force in the first semi-final, at the Major Dhyanchand Stadium, whereas Jalandhar’s PSB routed local outfits Sports Authority of India, Lucknow in the second semi-final.

Damandeep put PNB ahead through a field goal in the 19th minute (1-0), but within 10 minutes time Air Force restored parity through Navdeep, who converted team’s second penalty corner into goal (1-all).

Bank men appeared more attacking and organised in their moves after the lemon break. They kept rivals on the bay for most Gag an deep put them into lead with a field goal in the 43rd minute from the left flank (2-1), before Ranjeet Singh completing the rout with yet another field goal in the 57th minute (3-1).

In the second semi-final, much was expected from the local boys, but they looked a mediocre side before the P7SB men, who were running like a well-oiled machine and scored goals on regular intervals. Gaganpreet broke the ice as early as in the eight minute and Sarvan Singh extending the lead, netting in the 10th and 16th minutes, respectively (3-0).

Gaganpreet had his second in the 29th minute, converting a penalty corner (4-0), whereas Prabhdeep shot a field goal in the 30th minute to take the score to 5-0 at the half-time.

Things didn’t change much as PSB had their final goal in the 41st minute when Gaganpreet had his third. Final starts at 2.00 p.m. on Wednesday.