05-Mar-2008 189
A five-goal haul, including a hat-trick by junior international Birendra Lakra powered Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) to a thumping 8-1 victory over Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) in the opening match of the All-India Public Sector Hockey Tournament at the Biju Patnaik Hockey Stadium here on Tuesday.
Lakra scored his five goals in the 31st, 40th, 57th, 63rd and 65th minutes. BSNL, however, enjoyed the satisfaction of drawing first blood in the match. Sudhir Bhengra gave them the lead in the fifth minute.
But the joy in the BSNL camp was shortlived as SAIL skipper Amardeep Ekka brought the equaliser in the 20th minute. Thereafter it was SAIL all the way.
