Star studded IA trounce Karnataka to lift Murugappa Cup

Chennai:

Tournament favourites Indian Airlines won the 80th All India MCC Murugappa Gold Cup Hockey tournament at Chennai today. Indian Airlines defeated Karnataka 3 goals to 1 to win the trophy which they last won in 1998. The star studded Indian Airlines team clashed with a young Karnataka team, with guest star Dhanraj Pillai giving them gave them an early lead with a 7th minute goal. Though Karnataka equalised through Lazarus Barla, the tournament favourites showed that experience did make a big difference. Virender and Ravinder Singh scored a goal each, giving Indian Airlines a two goal lead to lift the trophy. "Even they played well but our experience helped us. We increased the tempo at the right time, we slowed down at the right time and we scored goals at the right time," said Indian Airlines captain Dilip Tirkey after the match. But for the young Karnataka side, which did miss a few chances, it was a great experience to play against a star studded Indian Airlines team -- especially with the selectors keeping a close watch. "From the beginning we had good team work. It is because of team work that we have reached this stage. Today we played well but they were experienced and had luck," reasoned Karnataka skipper AK Kevin. Dhanraj Pillay picked up the award for best forward of the tournament.