IA, Bangladesh XI score big wins

Fancied Indian Airlines routed Sports Authority of India, Bangalore, 6-1 to record their second straight win in the 13th Shastri hockey tournament in Delhi on Friday.

In other matches, Air India were held to a 1-1 draw by the CRPF; Bangladesh XI beat ONGC 5-3 and Central Industrial Security Force shocked Bharat Petroleum 2-1.

In a one-sided encounter, star-studded Indian Airlines toyed with the SAI and led 3-0 at half-time. Ace forward Dhanraj Pillay played a major role in the victory. Though he scored only once he masterminded and created the openings for most of the other goals.

Prabodh Tirkey put Indian Airlines ahead in the ninth minute and four minutes later former India player Mukesh Kumar made it 2-0. Skipper Dilip Tirkey increased the lead in the 27th minute by converting a penalty-corner.

In the second session, Airlines scored three more goals through Dhanraj Pillay (60th), Mukesh Kumar (61st) and S Vinay (65th minute).

Two minutes before the final whistle, Somanna reduced the margin for the losers.

Mohd. Maksud Alam scored three goals in Bangladesh XI's big win over ONGC. The visitors took an early 2-0 lead before going into the breather 2-1 up. But ONGC fought back and not only drew parity but took the lead in the second session.

However, the visitors staged a fine rally and scored three goals in the space of 11 minutes to garner full points.

Bangladesh scored two goals within 11 minutes of the start of the match through Hedayatul Islam, who converted a penalty-corner in the fourth minute before Mohd. Maksud Alam increased the lead seven minutes later (2-0).

ONGC reduced the gap in the 22nd minute when Ravi shot home a fine goal (1-2).

After the intervel, Vivek Gupta drew parity for ONGC in the 48th minute and then Gurpreet Singh gave them the lead in the 55th minute (3-2). But Maksud Alam cut short ONGC's celebrations as he scored two goals in the 60th and 68th minutes to give Bangladesh a 4-3 lead. Just before the final hooter, Ashraful Islam completed the tally for the winners (5-3).

Bangladesh now have four points from two matches, having played a 2-2 draw against CRPF.

In the first match of the day, Air India dropped points as they were held to a 1-1 draw by the CRPF. For CRPF it was their second straight draw.

CRPF took the lead in the 20th minute through Mukesh Kumar but Air India managed to equalise five minutes before the final whistle when Roshan Tete sent the ball into the cage.

CISF upset favourites BPCL after trailing 0-1 till the 25th minute.

Len Aiyappa scored off a penalty-corner to put BPCL ahead in the 17th minute but Mangra Mundra restored parity for CISF in the 25th minute.

Cyril Ekka scored the winner for CISF in the 45th minute.