7th Senior National Hockey C'ship'B' Division: PSPB to take to CRPF in summit showdown

Petroleum Sports Promotion Board (PSPB) and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) on Friday recorded contrasting victories to progress to the finals of the 7th Senior National Hockey Championship 2017 (Men) 'B' Division here.

In the opening semi final, Petroleum Sports Promotion Board beat Central Secretariat in a high scoring and hard fought encounter. After goal-less first and second quarters, Petroleum Sports Promotion Board took the lead via a Vikas Sharma goal in the 35th minute. Right at the end of the third quarter though, captain Jayesh Jadhav equalised for Central Secretariat with a well taken 43rd minute chance.

In a frantic final quarter, VR Raghunath's smartly converted PC dragged Petroleum Sports Promotion Board back in the lead. It wasn't to last long though, Hassan Basha equalizing just one minute later.

From thereon, Petroleum Sports Promotion Board pushed on to a higher gear, and relied on their experience to get them the win. Goals from Devindar Walmiki (56'), Jarnail Singh (58') and Roshan Minz (59') scoring on Central Secretariat's hopes of an upset as Petroleum Sports Promotion Board took their place in the finals.

In sharp contrast to the opener, the second semi final was a more controlled affair, both teams, Central Reserve Police Force and Central Industrial Security Force, were happy to play a majority of the game in the midfield, with chances few and far between.

Jayant Tirkey gave Central Reserve Police Force the lead in the 24th minute, and it was one they held on to, defending superbly to take a narrow victory and seal their spot in the finals.