BSF accounts for PSB

By Our Special Correspondent

KOLKATA, APRIL 7. Border Security Force (BSF), Jalandhar, pulled the rug from under the feet of defending champion Punjab & Sind Bank by a solitary second half goal to make its sixth final appearance in the Indian Oil Servo 106th Beighton Cup hockey tournament here on Saturday. Awaiting BSF in the title round is first-time finalist Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), an easy 2-0 victor over local outfit, Calcutta Electric Supply Corporation (CESC).

What separated the four-time champion BSF and the two- time champion PSB was the will to win on what was an oppressive and humid day at the Mohun Bagan ground. Despite having eight internationals, including three Olympians, PSB was let down by two major factors. The team's build-up to the semifinals could have been better as it was placed in an easy quarterfinal league pool where it did not encounter tough opposition. The other factor was that PSB had just a one-match experience on the Mohun Bagan ground, and that too against an inexperienced Sports Authority of India (SAI). The field was too bumpy and PSB could not adjust its game to the surface.

The team failed to combine well especially in the attacking zone and what added to PSB's misery was the injury to Baljeet Singh Chandi, who could not give off his best and pulled out later. Yet, due credit should be given to BSF for playing with speed and thrust. Except for the first 10 minutes, PSB was never in the picture though its counter raids did fetch more penalty corners than BSF.

The BSF defence looked solid and its midfielders worked hard to keep a stream of passes flowing to the forwards. The inevitable BSF goal materialised in the 52nd minute when winger Shinu Herenz centred from the right. Sushil Kujur, a tribal boy from the Sundergarh district of Orissa which produced Olympian Michael Kindo, showed fine anticipation in scoring the first goal of his budding career by deflecting the ball past Olympian Alloysius Edward for the match-winner.

CISF had a rather easy time against CESC though both teams couldn't break the ice in the first half. Yet, there was no doubt about CISF's domination. In a one-sided contest, Sushil Kumar put CISF ahead in the 45th minute following a penalty corner, and eight minutes later, G.V. Xaxa scored his seventh goal of the championship off a pass from Pratik Kumar.

The final will be played on Monday after a day's rest on Sunday.

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Section  : Sport
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