Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) overcame some frustrating opening minutes to post a 3-1 win over a fighting Army Green in the Synergy Sports tier I Super Division hockey league at the KSHA Stadium here on Friday.
The champions IOCL, however, could do little justice to their reputation as their front-line failed to strike rhythm after a shocking sixth minute goal by Jerome Kujur put their opponents on top.

Kujur slotted a rebound off IOCL custodian Devesh Chauhan and a quick equaliser was expected from IOCL, considering their performances in the league so far, besides the big names in their ranks.

But, Army Green dominated the ball possession as IOCL were forced to sit on an agonising deficit for most part of the opening session.

They had to wait for the first real chance till a 27th minute penalty corner, but Diwakar Ram’s drag flick was saved by Army custodian Najumuddin. IOCL breached the Army defence in the 31st minute when Chadda trapped a pass from an otherwise off-colour Deedar Singh and whacked one in to restore parity.

Inspired by the strike, IOCL unleashed quite a few good moves and one of those raids ended on a high note when umpire Raghuprasad awarded a penalty stroke in their favour for a kick near the rival goal mouth. Ram made no mistake with the set-piece while powering the shot into the right side of the goal in the 33rd minute.
The second-half was much more balanced when action was confined to the midfield as  both sides put aggression on the back burner.

In the 59th minute, IOCL managed another goal through a counter-attack. Chadda combined well with Cheeyana A B and the latter scored with a reverse hit to ensure a 100 per cent win record for his team.   
                                        
 Other result: Canara Bank: 3 (Ronald Kiran 31st PC, John Varghese 49th, Varun 64th) bt KSP: 1 (Chetan Kumar 60th PS).

STANDINGS

Teams P W D L GF  GA P