Lions upset Steelers with 4-3 win

Chandigarh, Feb 16: Bangalore Lions caused a mild upset by beating Orissa Steelers 4-3 in a thrilling encounter of the Premier Hockey League at the floodlit Sector 42 Hockey Stadium here tonight.

The unexpected victory for Lions has left the third edition of the PHL wide open. Bangalore Lions jumped to the third position with 12 points from eight matches (four wins, inlcuding one in extra time and four defeats, including one in extra time). Despite defeat, Orissa Steelers were still leading the table with 17 points (six wins, including one in extra time and two defeats) in eight outings.

They are just one point ahead of second-placed Sher-E-Jalandhar, who have so far played seven matches and recorded five wins, including one in extra time and two defeats in extra time.

Bangalore Lions' marksmen were Sandeep Michael (30th, 58th minutes, penalty corners), Len Aiyappa (40th, penalty corner) and Ignace Tirkey (42nd minute). Orissa Steelers got their goals through captain and Olympian Dilip Tirkey (10th and 36th minutes, penalty corners) and Sunil Ekka (59th). Out of seven goals registered today, five were result of penalty corner conversion.

Bangalore Lions dictated terms in the last quarter to emerge worthy winners. Till 40th minute the teams were tied 2-2. Switching to top gears in the last quarter, Bangalore Lions gained the lead for the first time in the match as Ignace Tirkey unleashed a powerful grounder after receiving a centre from the right from Rehan Butt.

This action came in the 42nd minute. That proved the turning point of the match.

Title contenders Orissa Steelers, having three foreigners --- Argentine Mario Almada, Adnan Zakir and goalkeeper Salman Akbar, both of Pakistan -- in the line-up, controlled the game well and met early success as they were awarded a penalty corner in the 10th minute. Captain Dilip Tirkey's shot hit Ignace Tirkey's stick and defelected into the net.

Bruno Adrian had taken the push and Vimal Lakra stopped it for Dilip Tirkey. This infused more life into the Steelers' attack. They had a good opportunity to score another goal in the 21st minute.

Sunil Ekka trapped a long pass and got the better of a Bangalore Lions defender. However, he could not give proper direction to his shot which went wide of the left post.

Bangalore Lions came into picture in the 30th minute as they forced their second penalty corner. Tushar Khandekar took the push but Paul Blake of South Africa could not stop it. The travelled to Arjun Halappa who pushed it into the circle and Sandeep Michael pounced on the opportunity to guide the ball in the goal from close to put his team at level (1-1).

The counter-attack in the next minute led to a fierce goalmouth melee but Arjun Halappa rose to the occasion and cleared the ball before any damage could be done. Orissa Steelers were awarded their third penalty corner and Dilip Tirkey converted it in the 36th minute. The crowd cheered loudly as Len Aiyappa restored parity in the 40th minute with well-executed drag flick (2-all).

Maintaining their pressure, Bangalore Lions struck again two minutes later and this time Ignace Tirkey scored a field goal with a well-directed and powerful grounder to put his team ahead for the first time in the match (3-2). With moves and counter-moves, the spectators who turned up in a large number, applauded every move.

Bangalore Lions virtually made it safe in the 58th minute by converting their fourth penalty corner. Len Aiyappa's penalty corner shot hit the right post and opportunity Sandeep Michael pounced on the rebound to score (4-2). As Lions were sitting comfortably, Orissa Steelers were able to reduce the margin through Sunil Ekka after Prabodh Tirkey had hit a long shot.

Tomorrow's fixtures: Hyderabad Sultans vs Chennai Veerans (5 p.m.) and Chandigarh Dynamos vs Maratha Warriors (7.30 p.m.)

UNI