May 9, 2005	Monday	Rabi-ul-Awwal 29, 1426

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LAHORE, May 8: A last minute goal by Ibrahim Pataudi helped PIP Group win the Novices Cup polo beating RC Cola 7- 6 1/2 in the final on Sunday. The losers had a half-goal handicap. RC led the first chukker 2 1/2-2 as both teams scored two goals each.

Asif Tiwana, who scored four goals for the losers, drew first blood converting a 40-yard penalty hit. But PIP retaliated strongly as their top scorer Dhrupal Godara, who scored five goals, struck back-to-back goals. But RC again earned the lead when Ali Malik scored a field goal on solo efforts.

RC dominated the second chukker increasing the lead to 4 1/2-2 by adding two more goals.

Irfan Ali Hyder scored a field goal after a long chase of the ball while Asif contributed his second.

Godara, an Indian, who is enjoying his season, again came to rescue PIP, converting a 60-yard penalty hit in the third chukker to reduce the margin (4 1/2-3).

PIP were offensive in the fourth chukker scoring four goals while conceding two to seal the fate of the match.

Godara scored his fourth goal and soon Iftikhar Ali Khan banged home to put PIP in front (5-4 1/2) for the first time in the final.

RC were not ready to lose and again gained the lead (6 1/2-5) when Asif converted back-to-back 60-yard penalties.

Godara, however, brought PIP back in the match again by scoring his fifth goal on a field attempt before Ibrahim scored the match-winner.

Earlier, Four Tigers won the third position beating Master Paints 6-5.