Pramod snatches winner for Chennai Veerans

Chandigarh, Feb 17 (UNI) Chennai Veerans eked out a narrow and unimpressive 1-0 win over Hyderabad Sultans in the Premier Hockey League at sector 42 stadium here today.

It the third win for Chennai Veerans who have collected 10 points from eight matches. Chandigarh Dynamos have also 10 points from seven matches and will play Maratha Warriors in the second match to be played under floodlites.

In a mediocre fixture despite a number of foreigners in action from both sides, Chennai Veerans snatched the match winner in the 25th minute. In a swift move, Adam Sinclair gave a back-pass to Raja who took a good shot and Pramod Kumar just deflected the ball into the goal.

Chennai Veerans could have scored another goal when they were awarded a penalty corner in the 57th minute. Drag flicker Raghunath powerfully pushed the ball only to be denied by the crosspiece.

Hyderabad Sultans dominated the first quarter and earned a penalty corner in the ninth minute. Ramnon Alegre took the push and Ajitesh Rai stopped it. However, Didar Singh could not penetrate the Cheenai Veerans' goal.

Maintaining their pressure, Sultans got another penalty corner in the 21st minute. This time Saranjit Singh sold a perfect dummy for Rajwinder who however,could not capitalise on the chance.

Chennai Veerans, who had by that time settled down, launched their offense. Their moves bore fruits in the 25th minute as Pramod Kumar snatched the all-important goal.

Soon after the second quarter, Hyderabad Sultans had a chance to restore parity in the 37th minute. However, Sardara's powerful reverse shot on the run was smartly saved by Chennai goalkeeper Shreejesh.

Hyderabad Sultans are now lying at the bottom with just five points from eight matches.

UNI