Indian colts thump South Australia 3-1 in second game of AHL

The Indian junior men's hockey team made it two victories on the trot beating South Australia 3-1 in their second game of the Australian Hockey League here on Friday.

India opened the scoring in the fourth minute, Gurjant Singh scoring the goal after Simranjeet Singh initiated a turnover to start the counter from India's baseline. Ajit Pandey doubled the lead in the 14th minute as India went into the first break with a two-goal advantage.

They increased their lead in the 20th minute. After superb build up play, Parvinder Singh evaded his markers to tap in from the far post giving India a three-goal advantage. India held on to that lead going into half time.

South Australia hit back stronger in the second half and won a flurry of PCs through the period. India defended stoutly to keep them out. In the final minute though, Martin Atkinson converted one to take South Australia into the final break down 3-1.

India opened the final quarter with greater urgency, keen to put the game away. They controlled the possession and playing patiently had a PC saved at the beginning of the period. Despite South Australia's pressure in the final passage of play the juniors held on for a 3-1 victory.

India will play Canberra Lakers in their next Pool B encounter on Sunday.