RAWALPINDI: Striker Hammad Dar and captain Mohammad Imran played major roles in Army’s victory over Punjab in the Chief of Army Staff Challenge Hockey Cup at the Army Hockey Stadium here on Saturday.

Hammad made a hat-trick while fullback Imran scored two back-to-back goals, ensuring 6-3 victory for their team.

Navy and Police also won their respective matches on the third day of the event.

Imran, who is also the captain of the national team, opened Army’s account by scoring in the second minute of the match on a penalty-corner. Eleven minutes later, he doubled the lead.

Sohail Anjam of Punjab scored their first goal in the 16th minute.

Punjab comprising young players fought hard and launched some good moves but could not defeat a well-composed Army team.

Army’s striker Hammad scored two consecutive goals in 23rd and 40th minutes almost fading the chances of Punjab’s victory.

However, Punjab’s striker Sohail showed brilliant performance and added two more field goals for his team in 42nd and 53rd minutes, completing the first hat-trick of the tournament.

Army’s Abul Jabbar also scored in the 53rd minute and Hammad completed his hat-trick in the 60th minute, finishing the game 6-3.

In the second match, Navy defeated Army (Juniors) 3-1.

Army Junior gave tough time to an experienced Navy team, which was led by Olympian Rashid Mehmood. Both teams demonstrated aggression in their game and exhibited dribbling, dodging and interception brilliantly. The juniors, however, faltered in their finishing.

Goalkeeper Mohammad Altaf again showed excellent performance and saved at least two strong hits on penalty-corners.

Navy’s striker Ali Sher scored first goal in the 13th minute and then Asad Aziz doubled the lead in the 17th minute. He added another goal in the 52nd minute.

For Army Juniors, the only goal was scored by Mohammed Haseeb.

The last match of the day was played between Police and PAF.

Both sides gave tough time to each other and demonstrated aggressive moves. However, in the 30th minute, Police’s Atif Baig managed to break the strong defence of PAF. He netted the ball neatly on a cross from Ayub.

In the beginning of the last quart, Ayub doubled the lead by successfully converting a penalty-corner. Hafiz Rizwan scored one more goal for the winners.

PAF’s lone goal was scored by Mohammad Mushtaq.

Published in Dawn January 25th , 2015

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