MCC-Murugappa hockey: ONGC storm into semis

Chennai - Holders ONGC booked their berth in the semi-finals of the 87th MCC-Murugappa Gold Cup All-India hockey tournament, defeating BPCL 5-2 in their concluding Group A league fixture here on Wednesday.

Leading 2-0 at half-time, ONGC scored through Mandeep Antil (2), Diwakar Ram (2) and Gagandeep while Pundalik Bellary and Jarnail Singh reduced the margin for BPCL.

In another Group A match, Army XI defeated Punjab National Bank 3-2 to remain in contention for a semi-final spot while Air India overcame All-India Central Customs and Central Excise 5-2 in a Group B fixture.

PNB squandered an early lead to lost to Army for whom Elizer Lakra, Chittaranjan Singh, and Sunil Ekka scored, while the bank replied through Lakhwinder Singh and Ajitesh Roy.

Air India, thanks to goals by Birender Lakra (2), Somanna Pradhan, Joga Singh and an own goal, swept past Customs for whom Navin Kumar and Karan Baskaran scored.