Indian Bank (IB) overcame a fighting ABM Infotech 5-2 in an IOB-Chennai Hockey Association senior division league match at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium here on Friday.
Comprising majority of players from Bangalore — three are from Ashish Ballal Academy and five from Sports Authority of India — a fit and determined ABM gave IB a run for its money. Deepak stunned the bank team defence in the third minute with a neatly struck penalty corner that hit the roof of the net.
Heartlin James (6th min) equalised for IB with a deflection off a pass from Kumar. Vadipatti Raja converted a brilliant backhander for a 2-1 lead, two minutes before the break.
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Within minutes of start of the second session, IB struck through former International Thirumalvalavan, whose penalty corner strike was bang on target.
ABM didn't lose heart as it made some threatening moves. Biju's backhanded pass from the right was deflected home by Navin. IB, however, closed matters through Sivamani and V. Raja.
Of the six matches played, IB has won five and lost one while ABM has won two matches and lost two.
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Earlier, Tamil Nadu Police thrashed TNEB 11-1. For TNP, Krishna Kumar, Sudarshan (2),Kannan (2), Rajesh Kannan (2), Kanta Guru (2), Balakrishnan and David Arokiaraj scored. Selvakumar netted one for TNEB. — Special Correspondent