National Hockey: Karnataka get past Jharkhand

Bangalore -  Skipper Deepak Beijwad converted two penalty corners to pave the way for Karnataka’s 3-1 win over Jharkhand. The result took the hosts to the top of the league table, in the Indian Hockey Federation’s 64th Senior National Men’s Hockey Championship for the Rangaswamy Cup here today.

Bejiwad converted penalty corners in the 21st and 40th minutes, while NS Rajesh capped a solo run for the second Karnataka goal. The lone Jharkhand goal came late in the first-half when Deepak Soreng slammed home from the top of the circle.

The victory, their second in four matches, took Karnataka’s tally to eight points, while defending champions Mumbai are currently placed second on seven, also from four games, followed by Punjab who have six from three outings.

After being held to 1-1 in the first-half, Karnataka’s best moments came on resumption when they picked up the pace to make inroads into Jharkhand territory. Their domination was underscored by two goals, that sealed the game in their favour.

Karnataka set up several more chances in the second half and could have scored at least half a dozen goals, but their forwards let easy changes get away. Md. Nayeemuddin, Boney Marshall and Kush muffed two scoring chances each.