CHANDIGARH, Nov 4: In a slow paced match Training Command held Southern Air Command to a 1-1 draw in their second league encounter in a pool `B' match in the Air Force Inter-Command hockey championship being held at Sector 42 Hockey Stadium.Had the last year's runner-up Training Command not missed the number of chances that came their way the out come of the contest would have been different. After today's match, Training Command have two points from two outings while SAC have one point from as many matches as played.
South Western Air Command with 4 points leads pool `B'. They played a goalless draw with Air Head Quarters in their match today. While AHQ with 2 points are tied up with TC.
In the TC-SAC tie, the match began on a dull note. However, the teams picked up the pace in the later part of the first half when TC's play maker Joreme Kujur reverse flick beat the keeper Maria Josheph in the 22nd minute.
A depleted SAC increased the tempo of the game and made inroads into the rival territory. After a few unsuccessful raids, Uday Kumar sounded the board (1-1). SAC got another opportunity to gain the upper hand just before the break when Uday missed a penalty corner.
In the second session, SAC put pressure on the opponents but could not beat TC's crowded defence. Besides, the team lacked a sharp shooter, who could score a match winner. AK Dubey had a goal-line miss in the 6th minute of the second session while Krishan Kumar was culprit on the second occasion when he just had to deflect the ball into the goal.
Five minutes from end, Uday Kumar who restored parity for SAC failed to convert a penalty corner.
In a pool `A' match Western Air Command beat Central Air Command 1-0. Narendra Kumar Yadav scored the match winner for team in the second half. Last year's champions Maintenance Command struggled to score 2-1 victory over Eastern Air Command in another pool `A' match.
Surender Singh Sodhi converted a penalty corner for EAC in the 18th minute. After the break MK Lodhi got an equaliser in the 58th minute (1-1). He was again on the target off a brilliant pass from Sohan Singh in the 69th minute.
WAC and MC have 4 points each while CAC with 3 points in lying third in pool `A'.
Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.