Lions rule over Shers 2-1

Chandigarh, Feb 18 (UNI) Bangalore Lions chalked out a hard-fought 2-1 win over favourites Sher-e-Jalandhar in the Premier Hockey League III at Sector 42 hockey stadium here today.

Bangalore conceded the first goal in the 15th minute after a defensive lapse inside the 25-yard line saw Shers star Gagan Ajit Singh steal the ball on the right flank. He darted into the circle dodging past a couple of defenders and shot home from a narrow angle (1-0).

Thereafter, the Lions took control of the midfield with a four-man brigade and stopped the penetrating forays from the right by marking Baljit Singh Saini and Baljit Singh Dhillon, depending more on vertical balls than the parallel passes and counter attacks.

Lions drew parity in the 19th minute when their striker Hari Prasad put Sandeep Michael in possession with a short pass. Sandeep, at the middle of the circle, feigned defender Baljit Singh Saini to strike a powerful shot into the boards (1-1).

Two minutes before half-time, the Lions earned the second of their three penalty corners on the day to go one up, which turned out to be the match-winner.

Lions' Pakistani import Rehan Butt injected the ball and their other foreign player Paul Blake set it up just right for drag-flick specialist Len Aiyappa, who found the net with a neat variation and beat rival custodian Kamaldeep with his speed.

Bangalore skipper Arjun Halappa was declared Lion of the match.

UNI