Rajesh spared Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) the blushes with a 61st-minute strike in his team's 1-1 draw with SAI in a Tier II encounter of the State Super Division hockey league at the KSHA stadium here on Friday.

After a dull first half in which action was restricted to the midfield, both the teams upped the ante in the second half. It was SAI who took the lead through Vineet Michael in the 54th minute.

Aiyappa dribbled past a couple of HAL defenders and fed Michael, who made no mistake with his deflection.

Defensive run

It looked as though SAI was content with the one-goal lead and went into a defensive run.

They nearly paid the penalty in the end. Striker Nilesh was an exception as he made a couple of forays, but when it came to finishing, he too came a cropper.

HAL, on the other hand, tried all the tricks in the book to draw level, which they ultimately did through Rajesh with nine minutes to go for the hooter off a swift counter after one of SAI's five foiled set-piece attempts.

Abhinav relayed a long cross to Rajesh who then took the ball past the striking circle and sounded the boards with a reverse flick.

HAL tightened their grip on the proceedings and were unlucky not to emerge victors after missing a couple of close chances.

Meanwhile, SAI looked a weary outfit and with HAL defender Nagasreeni at his best, there was no way they could break through thereafter.

Earlier, Army Green XI held Central Excise 1-1. S P Tirkey gave Army Green the lead in the 25th minute while Central Excise drew level through Mandanna in the 61st minute.