Tribal Heroes rally to win

NEW DELHI, January 17: Tribal Heroes came back from a one-goal deficit to beat Khalsa Blues 3-2 in the Delhi Hockey Association league en...

NEW DELHI, January 17: Tribal Heroes came back from a one-goal deficit to beat Khalsa Blues 3-2 in the Delhi Hockey Association league encounter at Shivaji Stadium here today. The teams shared two goals at the interval. In another match, Punjab Hawks defeated Delhi Youth by a solitary goal.

Khalsa Blues made a rousing start to their campaign in the championships when Amardeep Singh scored a field goal in the eighth minute. Undettered by the reverse, Tribal Heroes went on the rampage seeking the equaliser. They were finally rewarded when Alexander Ekka found the target in the 15th minute.

The two teams then played at a fast pace trying to outwit the other throughout the first half. But neither of the teams could capitalise on the numerous goal-scoring opportunities.

Story continues below this ad

After change of ends, there was no let-up on the part of Tribal Heroes who kept up the pressure on their opponents. Two minutes into the latter half, Alexander Ekka scored again for his team to give them a 2-1 lead. Instead of falling back after gaining the lead, Tribal Heroes kept the pressure and soon consolidated their position through Ambros Beck, who scored in the 37th minute.

The Tribal Heroes players relaxed a bit after the comfortable lead. Yet, it was not easy for Khalsa Blues who found the strong defense of the opponents a hard nut to crack. However, Harinder Singh managed to reduce the margin of defeat for Khalsa Blues through a goal in the 50th minute.

The match between Punjab Hawks and Delhi Youth was a lackluster affair. After a barren first half, Punjab Hawks managed to score through Amit Singla in the 38th minute for the match-winner.

On Monday, Indian Airlines (North Zone) will take on Super Stars at 1.30 pm and Delhi Tigers play Chota Nagpur at 3 pm.