IOCL snatches thrilling win over BPCL to lift title

Pune, Mar 30 (UNI) Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) today won the finals of the 25th edition of the Petroleum Sports Promotion Board (PSPB) by defeating their arch rivals Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) snatching a slender 2-1 verdict at Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) poligrass stadium, here.

IOC's V Raghunath, converted two penaly corner to assure the triumph. IOC, the last year's runner up thus avenged their defeat at Hyderabad in style. It was indeed a double delight for IOC, who also saw their mercurial forward Sardara Singh adjuged the best player of the tournament.

Earlier Oil and Natural Gas Commission (ONGC) put it across Gas Authority of India (GAIL) 3-2 in yet another tight match to claim the third slot.

The final perhaps produced by far the best fare of the tournament as the pendulum swung from side to side as some of the past and present Olympians could enthral a modest crowd with their artistry and finesse.

Though the defending champions BPCL, shot into the lead in the 21st minute through their speedy left winger Hari Prasad, who was put in possession by Olympian Tushar Khandekar. Prasad after weaving past a hosts of defenders sounded the boards with a rasping angular drive.

They, however, clung on to the lead till the breather, on resumption the IOC regrouped their resources and launched a fierce offensive and they were soon rewarded. Forcing a penalty corner the robust Raghunath found the net in the 42nd minute and in the bargain restored parity.

The rivals, who were then locked in mid-field exchanges saw Raghunath once again found the mark with a stiniging drive following a penalty corner in the 67th minute. BPCL put everything into the attack but failed to get past the rival defence and had to rest content with runnerup berth.

IOC's asendency could be gauged from the fact that they forced four penalty corners and converted two of them. On the other hand BPCL had forced two but failed to give meaning to any of them.

ONGC held the whip hand and scored once each via Arun Rawat in the 11th minute. Guranjit Singh made it 2-0 in the 12th and Jasbir struck in the 26th minute. GAIL reduced the margin through Arvind Tyagi in the 24th minute and P Chaurasia in the 27th minute.

IOC Executive Director A K Runiar (HR) was the guest of honour and gave away the prizes.

UNI