April 22, 2008	Tuesday	Rabi-us-Sani 15, 1429

LAHORE, April 21: The Pakistan junior hockey team continued their winning run on the South African tour as they defeated the under-21 team of the hosts 5-2 in the first test in Durban on Sunday.

According to a message received here on Monday, the match was played under overcast conditions and heavy downpour.

The South Africans took the lead in the fifth minute of the match. Pakistan fought back with an equaliser from right-winger Mohammad Taufeeq’s brilliant field goal in the 14th minute.

Defying all odds, Pakistan launched forays which earned them their first penalty-corner of the match in the 20th minute.

Mohammad Ateeq put his side ahead with a rasping unstoppable low drive conversion.

Pakistan stretched the lead in the 21st minute when substitute right-winger Mohammad Adeel fired in from a close range.

The South Africans, however, reduced the deficit with a field goal just before half-time.

Therefore, the touring side led the first half 3-2.

As the rain relented a bit, Pakistan doubled their efforts in the second half not to let the encounter slipped away from their hands.

The Pakistan players pulverized the South African defence with swift and well-coordinated moves.

In the 44th minute, captain Shafqat Rasool rifled in a bullet from top of the circle to give his side 4-2 lead.

The hosts conceded the fifth goal just five minutes before the final hooter when left-winger Mohammad Zubair struck with dead accuracy.

Both the teams earned four penalty-corners each in the match.

“The cloudy and rainy conditions had created problems for us, particularly in defence. However, the second half was better as the rain had slowed down,” Pakistan chief coach Jahangir Butt said.

“The boys are fit and we don’t have any problems, especially the forwards are working very hard and are in excellent form,” he added.—-Agencies