Dung Dung's late strike helps Army XI edge past Karnataka

Hockey Karnataka put up a brave fight before going down 1-2 to Army XI in the 3rd Bangalore Cup Invitation hockey tournament at the Hockey Stadium here on Wednesday.

Siraju AP put the Armymen ahead in the first period but Karnataka fought back to level the scores through Darshan DS in the second. David Dung Dung then struck a minute before the final hooter to settle the tie in Army’s favour.

Earlier, Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) scored a crucial win, beating Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) 2-0. Gurjinder Singh (9th, 68th) netted once in each half for IOCL.

Karnataka, buoyed after recording an upset win over Punjab National Bank on Tuesday, was given a reality check by an attacking Army side.

Army started on an attacking mode and controlled the momentum in the initial stages. 

Karnataka’s K P Somaiah did try to open the Army defence with his trickery but couldn’t get through due to the lack of support.

The deadlock was finally broken when Armymen won a penalty corner in the 30th minute. It was expertly converted by Siraju, who made no mistake in slotting the ball past the Karnataka custodian Jagdeep Dayal.  

Karnataka pushed hard for the goal but their efforts went in vain as the Army backline remained solid.

In search of an equaliser, the Verghese coached side changed gears and played a high pressing game after the break.

However, it was the military side that came close to doubling their tally in the 50th minute.

MB Cariappa, after receiving a good pass from his team-mate, attempted a shot from a tight angle but it was palmed away by Jagdeep.

The high-pressing strategy soon produced dividends as they scored through a penalty corner in the 58th minute. Darshan’s drag-flick hit the Army ‘keeper’s stick before finding its way into the net.

Refusing to settle, the Armymen upped their tempo and deservedly got the winner in the 69th minute. Forward Dung Dung, finding himself in some space inside the opponent’s circle, slammed in a ferocious low shot that ended in the bottom right corner of the net.

In the women’s section, a Elima Minz brace (43rd, 53rd)helped Hockey Odisha beat Hockey Karnataka 2-1.

Results: Men: Army XI: 2 (Biraj Ekka 30th, David Dung Dung 69th) bt Hockey Karnataka: 1 (Darshan DS 58th); IOCL: 2 (Gurjinder Singh 9th, 68th) bt ONGC: 0.

Women: Hockey Odisha: 2 (Elima Minz 43rd, 53rd) bt Hockey Karnataka: 1 (Nisha PC 40th); MPHA: 3 (Lalremruati 3rd, 9th, Jyothi Pal 50th) bt Hockey Maharashtra: 2 (Pinky Devi T 26th, Aiswary Chavan 54th).