March 17, 2006	Friday	Safar 16, 1427

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LAHORE, March 16: Four-goal Jose Rivas and half-goal handicap enabled Bank Alfalah earn a 6 1/2-6 win against Al Khan in the first match of the President of Pakistan polo trophy on Thursday.

A seven-goal handicapper Rivas scored back-to- back goals in the first chukker as the bankers led it 2 1/2-1. Iftikhar Ali Khan Simba struck a goal for the losers.

The bankers came out with 5 1/2-4 lead after the eventful second chukker in which six goals were scored.

Paola scored his first of two goals on a field attempt while Rivas banged home his third goal, converting a 40-yards penalty Hit.

Godara scored his first after receiving an angular pass from Iftikhar.

But Paolo again increased the lead for bankers by scoring his second on solo effort. Vishal and Godara then fired one goal each to reduce the margin.

When Rivas scored his fourth goal and the lone goal of the third chukker on a field attempt, the bankers seemed to have the outcome in their favour by leading 6 1/2-4.

Vishal dominated the fourth chukker and pumped in back-to-back goals but it proved futile.