The Indian junior men's hockey team were held to a 1-1 draw against Canberra Lakers in their Pool B game of the Australian Hockey League (AHL) here last evening.
In a fairly slow start, the two teams interchanged possession in midfield without giving each other any real chances for goal. India came closest with a penalty corner in the 8th minute, which was saved. In the final minute of the first quarter, Ajit Pandey scored to give the Indian juniors the lead.
Canberra Lakers came out quick at the start of the second quarter, and soon enough had a penalty corner, converted by Stuart Shepherd in the 17th minute to draw them level. The teams went into the halftime levelled at 1-1.
In the third quarter, India were the ones who played with greater urgency, controlling the midfield and shuttling the ball across the flanks much better. Almost at the end of the quarter, they had their opportunity with a second penalty corner, saved by Brendan Hill in the Lakers goal.
Coming out into the final quarter on level terms, India were the ones looking for the win, Canberra happy to sit back, soak the pressure and work on the counter. The Juniors had a penalty corner early in the quarter but were denied by Hill in goal, again.
With less than two minutes to play, India had another penalty corner, but were denied this time by the first runner. It was to be the final bit of goalmouth action from either side as the game ended with them splitting the points.
India will play their next Pool B game against Tassie Tigers today.
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