Orissa Steelers beat Hyderabad Sultans, consolidate lead at top

Chandigarh, Feb 13 (UNI) Orissa Steelers further cemented their position at the top with a comfortable 2-0 verdict over lowly-placed Hyderabad Sultans in the Premier Hockey League at the floodlit Sector 42 Hockey Stadium here tonight.

This was Orissa's sixth win, including one in extra time in the Chennai phase of the PHL, taking their tally to 17 points in the seven-team competition.

Sher-e-Jalandhar, who play their first match here on February 15, are at the second place with 14 points from six matches.

Orissa Steelers scored both their goals in the third quarter after having an upper hand in the match. Daman Deep Singh converted a penalty corner in the 42nd minute amid protests from the Sultan players.

Umpires Suresh Kumar, after consultation with his colleague Bhupinder Singh, referred the issue to the video umpire Satinder Sharma and the third umpire awarded the goal after seeing the replay.

Sharma was of the opinion that the ball had hit the writ of the hand which was holding the stick.

After wasting penalty corners in the 32nd and 33rd minutes, Orissa Steelers met with success with their third penalty corner award. Bruno Adriano pushed the ball, Vimal Lakra stopped it for skipper Dilip Tirkey whose shot was deflected in by well-positioned Daman Deep Singh.

Hyderabad Sultans forced a penalty corner in the 45th minute which they wasted. Orissa Steelers were quick to launch a counter attack and their move bore fruits in the 46th minute.

Tirkey gave a long pass to Pakistan player Adnan Zakir who sent an immaculate angular pass to Bruno Adrian who was stationed inside the striking circle. The Steelers forward made no mistake and caught Hyderabad Sultans goalkeeper Devesh Chauhan napping with a reverse shot.

Tirkey was adjudged the man of the match.

MORE XC PM RN2153