Lucknow, 16 June 2017:AThe semi finals of Hockey IndiaA7thASenior National Hockey Championship 2017 (Men) a?Ba Division were played out today.APetroleum Sports Promotion Board and Central Reserve Police Force recorded contrasting victories to progress to the finals of the tournament.
In the opening semi final, Petroleum Sports Promotion Board beat Central Secretariat in a high scoring and hard fought encounter. After goal-less first and second quarters, Petroleum Sports Promotion Board took the lead via a Vikas Sharma goal in the 35thAminute. Right at the end of the third quarter though, captain Jayesh Jadhav equalized for Central Secretariat with a well taken 43rdAminute chance. In a frantic final quarter, VR Raghunathas smartly converted PC dragged Petroleum Sports Promotion Board back in the lead. It wasnat to last long though, Hassan Basha equalizing just one minute later. From thereon, Petroleum Sports Promotion Board pushed on to a higher gear, and relied on their experience to get them the win. Goals from Devindar Walmiki (56a), Jarnail Singh (58a) and Roshan Minz (59a) SCORINGAon Central Secretariatas hopes of an upset as Petroleum Sports Promotion Board took their place in the finals.
In sharp contrast to the opener, the second semi final was a more controlled affair, both teams, Central Reserve Police Force and Central Industrial Security Force, were happy to play a majority of the game in the midfield, with chances few and far between. Jayant Tirkey gave Central Reserve Police Force the lead in the 24thAminute, and it was one they held on to, defending superbly to take a narrow victory and seal their spot in the finals.
