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KARACHI: Brilliant Yasir Islam scored two field goals as Pakistan Telecommunication Corporation Limited (PTCL) clinched their third title in a row with a hard-fought 4-2 victory over Pakistan Army in the final of the NBP National Junior Hockey Championship at the Hockey Club of Pakistan Stadium here on Sunday.

Forward Yasir blasted goals in 18th and 53rd minutes. Right-winger Akhtar Ali and centre-forward Muhammad Arif slammed the other two goals. Right-in Muhammad Arshad slammed both the goals for Army. PTCL were enjoying 2-1 advantage at half time. National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) defeated Karachi Electric Supply Corporation (KESC) 4-2 to secure third place in the 20-team competition, which concluded yesterday. Sindh Governor Dr Ishrat-ul-Ebad, who was the chief guest at the final, presented the glittering trophy to PTCL captain Shakeel Abbasi. Army skipper Muhammad Imran collected the runners-up trophy. Governor also distributed the medals to PTCL, Army and NBP players.

PTCL, enjoying the services of members of the Pakistan junior team including Sajjad Akber, Akhtar, Yasir, Arif and two members of senior side Tariq Aziz and Shakeel, were stunned by Army in the third minute of the match. On a counter-attack, Arshad gave Army a flying start by scoring a field goal with solo effort. After struggling for some time, PTCL got the sigh of relief when on a combined move between Akhtar, Tariq and Yasir levelled the score with a blistering shot from the top of the circle.

Soldiers made some fast moves against PTCL but were unable to score. The best goal of the match was netted by Akhtar, with a powerful reverse flick, to put his team 2-1 ahead.

Soon after resumption, Arshad pulled one back to again level the score. PTCL forward maintained a strong pressure on army goal by securing series of six short corners. Finally Yasir scored his team’s third goal on a goal-keeper Rizwan’s rebound in 53rd minute. Army mustered two penalty corners in 57th and 63rd minutes but failed to utilize any because of lack of proper drill. Muhammad Arif netted his team’s fourth goal seconds before the hooter.