Sanjeev Singh’s three-goal effort helped Army Green XI canter to a 4-1 win over Sports Authority of India in a lop-sided II tier Super Division hockey league encounter at the KSHA stadium here on Wednesday.

Army Green XI had everything going their way in a match which started amidst a heavy downpour and ended in near darkness. The SAI defenders had a tough time containing Sanjeev, who enjoyed a free run in the striking circle. Army Green took lead through Sanjeev’s solo effort in the eighth minute. Sanjeev doubled his as well as his team’s tally with a powerful hit in the 33rd minute.

The change of ends brought SAI no respite as the Army forwards continued their relentless onslaught. On the other hand, their SAI counterparts were a major letdown, with the Army defenders giving them no leeway through some tight marking. After a brief lull, Army made it 3-0 in the 62nd minute through a set-piece conversion, with Anlip Kullu sounding the board.

Two minutes later, SAI finally got their act together and pulled one back through Nithin Thimmaiah, who made amends for his earlier lapse when he fumbled in front of the goal despite Army custodian Najumuddin being out of position.

By this time, it had started pouring heavily, but that failed to dampen Sanjeev’s spirits as he pumped in one more goal in the 67th minute with a deft touch from the left flank to pile on the agony for SAI.

Earlier, Army Service Corps edged Madras Engineer Group and Centre 3-2 in the first match of the day. Bisra Aind (8th), Sanjay Tete (15th) and Deepu (52nd) scored for the winners while Dinesh Tirkey (23rd) and Poovanna (69th, PC) reduced the deficit for the Sappers, who took field sans the suspended Samson Fernandes.