Indian junior eves beat hosts Spain 3-2 in Five-Nations Hockey tourney

After going down 0-3 against England in the opening game, the Indian junior women's hockey team bounced back in style to register a 3-2 win over hosts Spain in their encounter at the 5-Nations Invitational tournament here on Wednesday.

In a highly charged encounter, it was the hosts who had the early breakthrough, Clara Ycart's 15th minute goal giving them the lead. India hit back via Jyoti in the 28th minute, to take the game into half time with both teams level.

In the second half, India came out charging and Ritu gave India the lead via a penalty corner conversion in the 42nd minute. Two minutes later though, Spain were awarded a stroke, and Ycart made no mistake from the spot to draw them level.

The two teams tussled away in the midfield, and despite the chances and circle penetrations no one could breach the goal over the next twenty minutes. In the final ten minutes of the game, India's level of play suddenly improved, and they were rewarded in the 62nd minute, Sangita Kumari scoring to give them the lead. The goal would prove to be the winner, as India held on for three points.

The Indian junior women's team will now lock horns with Germany on October 27.