January 23, 2006	Monday	Zilhaj 22, 1426

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LAHORE, Jan 22: Agha Murtaza Ali Khan’s three goals played a big role in Bank Alfalah 6-5 1/2 win against Soneri Bank in the final of the RG Hyder Polo Cup on Sunday. The winners led the first chukker 2-1 1/2. Having half-goal handicap, the losers drew first blood when Ahmad Nawaz Tiwana scored a field goal on solo efforts.

But the winners struck back scoring back-to-back goals to take lead.

Taimur Mawaz Khan, who scored two goals, struck his first off a fine pass from Faaiz Rahim while Hissam Ali Haider put the winners ahead, converting a 40-yard penalty hit.

The winners surged ahead 4-1 1/2 in the second chukker as Murtaza banged home with back-to-back goals. He first scored a field goal after receiving an angular pass from Faaiz and slammed in the second off a pass from Hissam.

The losers did not give up the fight and dominated the third chukker scoring thrice in a row to regain the lead 4 1/2-4.

Ahmad Ali Tiwana, who contributed two goals struck his first, cashing in on a 40-yard penalty hit followed by two more goals.

Ahmad Nawaz Tiwana scored his second crowning a field effort and Asif Tiwana scored a field goal.

But the winners entered the field with different planning to change defeat into win by scoring twice against one.

Murtaza fired his third and final goal through a field attempt to restore parity.

Taimur also blasted his second goal after receiving a fine pass from Murtaza in front of the goalpost to consolidate the lead.

The losers continued their struggle to eliminate the one and a half goal lead but they could manage to reduce it to a half goal when Ahmed Ali Tiwana converted a 40-yard penalty with a lofted shot, minutes before the final hooter to lose.

Three goals by Dhruvpal Godara enabled Guard Filters to claim the third spot thrashing Pakistan Army 8-5 in the subsidiary final.

Taimur Ali Malik and Syed Muhammad Raza chipped in with two goals each while Raja Samiullah contributed a goal to complete the scoring.

For the losers, Khurshid Ahmad and Sufi Muhammad Aamir scored two goals each while Col. Mujahid Omar struck a goal.