KARACHI: Formidable PIA, Customs and Army made a flying start as National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) conjured up second straight victory in the 33rd National Junior Hockey Championship at the Hockey Club of Pakistan Stadium on Friday.

PIA, once considered a force to be reckoned with in the game, registered a magnificent 6-1 victory over Pakistan Board in pool B after leading 5-0 at half time.

Abu Bakar and Ilyas Ahmed banged home two goals apiece while Junaid Manzoor and Azfar Yaqoob added one each for the winners. Aamir Farooqui scored the lone goal for losers. It was first defeat of Pakistan Board in two games of the three-team group. They had won 2-1 against Punjab Whites on Wednesday.

A second half comeback enabled Customs to post 3-0 defeat against low-profile Balochistan in pool D.

Fahad Khan opened the account for winners by slamming a field goal moments after interval. Captain Dawood consolidated the lead in 47th minute while Mateen completed the rout in the next minute.

Army struck twice, once in each half, while getting the better of Punjab Yellows 2-0 in pool C.

Ghazanfar Ali drew blood in 26th minute while Karamat Ali netted the second goal two-minute before final hooter.

Fresh from their triumph in pool A opener over Sindh Colours by tennis score (6-0) on opening day, last year’s runners-up NBP breezed past Punjab Colours 3-1 after leading by lone goal at half time.

Mubbashir cashed on two penalty corners in 28th and 44th minutes while Adeel Latif added the third one in 58th minute. Mohammad Qasim reduced the deficit for losers in 40th minute.

Saturday is the rest day in the competition.

Published in Dawn, May 17th, 2014