Young and fit Steel Authority of India from Rourkela, Punjab National Bank and local super league champions Western Railway made impressive starts in the 48th Bombay Gold Cup hockey tournament here today.
SAIL, full of adivasi talent, took time to settle down before hammering local outfit Union Bank of India 7-2 in pool D with Sunil Toppo scoring thrice, two of them from the field, and Alsem Lakra finding the target twice, on the first occasion with a scoop from an acute angle.
The other two goals for the side from the eastern parts, who led 2-1 at half time, were scored by Rajin Kandulna, a fine solo as he banged home after cutting in from the right, and Deepak Kullu.
The bankmen, who had ended up fourth in the local super league, scored the first and last goals of the game through former India player Diwakar Ram and Rajat Sharma, a minute from the final hooter.
In an earlier game, Western trounced defending champions Army XI from Bangalore 4-1 after leading by a lone goal at half time in pool A while in the last game of the day Punjab National Bank drubbed local outfit Central Railway 3-1 in pool C.
Vinod Kumar scored a brace of field goals for the Western railwaymen whose other scorers were Ashish Pal (penalty corner) and Jaykaran (field goal).
Chandan Aind found the mark for Army XI to reduce the margin in the 45th minute after Western had surged to a 2-0 lead by the 39th minute.
In the final match of the day, PNB outclassed Central after taking 1-0 lead at half time.
Yudhbir Singh (15th minute), Jalvinder Singh (48th) and Arjun (61st) got the goals for the Punjab bankmen while the lone goal for Central Railway side was scored by Sashi Topno (54th).
