BPCL beats ONGC 6-3, to take on IOCL in repeat final

Pune, Mar 29 (UNI) Olympian Tushar Khandekar's brilliant brace helped defending champions Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) carve out a fluent 6-3 win over ONGC today and set up a title clash against Indian Oil Corporation IOCL in the 25th Petroleum Sports Promotion Board (PSPB) hockey championship being played at Pimpri near here.

In the other semi-finals, hosts IOC defeated Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) 3-0. IOC, thus have an opportunity to avenge their last year's defeat against BPCL.

Former Olympian Khandekar spearheaded the BPCL attack and displayed a glimmer of his former self by notching a fine brace.

ONGC, the runner-up in Pool B, however, raised their game and gave the doses of the same medicine to the rivals to drive some semblence of consolation.

Khandekar opened the flood gates, scoring in the very second minute with a solo effort. The Olympian then converted a penalty corner in the 13th minute to complete the brace. Amar Aiyamma increased the lead in the 23rd minute. The rivals fought back and put one back via the efforts of Pramod Kumar to trail 1-3.

Continuing their onslaught, BPCL added three more goals on the change over via Raju Varkey, Hari Prasad and Sabu Varkey.

ONGC displayed their resilience through Sandeep Antil in 52nd minute and Amarjeet Pratap in 70th minute to reduce the margin.

GAIL, who finished runner-up to BPCL in Pool A, however, could not produce their best form to upset the calculation of last years runner-up IOC. They put up a resolute fight to keep the margin of defeat to the minimum despite enjoying some glit edge chances that came their way.

On the other hand, IOC kept their dominance as their frontliners often got past the rival defence. In one of the move initiated by Parabjeet Singh on the right was Bharat Chikara slamming the boards with a rasping drive in the second minute. They increased the lead through Raghunath who made a solo run down the middle before finding the mark in the 14th minute.

Five minutes later, Rohan Mize made the issue safe with yet another solo run. GAIL tried hard to reduce the margin but their efforts proved abortive.

The final between BPCL and IOC will be played tomorrow, while ONGC and GAIL will clash for the third place.

UNI