Sandeep Michael scooped over goalkeeper Gurpreet to convert the last chance in the tie-breaker to help Bangalore Hi-Fliers win their opening match against defending champions Orissa Steelers in the fourth edition of the Premier Hockey League in Chandigarh on Friday night. In the regulation time, both the teams were locked 2-all and failed to break the deadlock in the 10-minute extra-time, forcing the match to go into penalty shootouts. In a thrilling and absorbing match, Bangalore had the upper hand with more penetrating moves in the first two quarters, but Orissa drew first blood.
Making the best use of a defensive lapse, Orissa shot ahead in the 25th minute. Eliazer Ekka wriggled out from Hi-Fliers' defender Len Aiyappa on top of the circle, turned around and sent in a blinder to beat Bharat Chetri in the Bangalore goal. However, Bangalore persisted with their attacks and earned a penalty corner in the 41st minute. A defender took Aiyappa's drag-flick on the body and another short corner was awarded. This time Aiyappa's power-packed flick to the roof of the net went in like a bullet.
The equaliser, which came in the 42nd minute, saw both the teams increase the tempo of the game and the huge crowd witnessed some spectacular action. Orissa took the lead once again in the 58th minute converting the third of their five penalty corners. Birender took the push and Ignace set the stage for William Xalxo, who sounded the board with a direct hit. Earlier today, Maratha Warriors thrashed Chennai Veerans 4-1 in a one-sided match.
Source:- http://www.headlinesindia.com/archive_html/22December2007_66491.html
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