Tirkey nets three as Steelers rout Warriors

Chandigarh, Feb 23 (UNI) Former Indian hockey team captain Dilip Tirkey gave a sterling display in converting penalty corners as formidable Orissa Steelers stole the show by routing Maratha Warriors by 4-1 in the third edition of the Premier Hockey League at the Sector 42 Hockey Stadium here tonight.

Dilip Tirkey, who has played three Olympics, has learnt the trick of converting penalty corners with sizzling shots. This, he demonstrated in the 19th, 27th and 38th minutes. On all three occasions he sounded the boards with thundering driving despite Maratha Warriors goalkeeper Adrian D'Souza trying his best to block Tirkey's full-blooded penalty corners shots.

Dilip had two chances to earn the distinction of becoming the first player to perform a three-in-a-row feat as Orissa Steelers had earned their sixth and seventh penalty corners in the 62nd and 65th minute. However, the unique recordeluded Dilip Tirkey.

Argentinian Mario Almada made it 2-0 with a field goal in the 25th minute. The face-saving goal for Maratha Warriors came from the stick of Kuldeep Singh who converted a penalty corner in the 67th minute.

With this win, Orissa Steelers became the first team to qualify for the final with 25 points from 11 matches. Their last match is against Chennai Veerans.

Sher-E-Jalandhar are at the second position with 20 points but they have two more matches in their hand. Maratha Warriors (16) and defending champions Bangalore Lions (15) were at the third and fourth positions, respectively.

Chennai Veerans and Chandigarh Dynamos have identical tally of 13 points each. Hyderabad Sultans are at the bottom with six points.

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