Two fine counter-attacks that culminated in goals helped the fit and fast Army XI come from behind twice and pip Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL) 3-2 in the final of the 44th Bombay Gold Cup Hockey tournament in Mumbai on Saturday.
Down 1-2 with only 13 minutes left in the match, the armymen counter attacked from the right before the ball was passed to Suresh Kumar who found the target to help the winners draw level.
Later captain Cyprian Aind, who got the first equaliser for the army team in the 14th minute of the match after BPCL had taken a fifth minute lead through Tushar Khandekar, scored the all-important match-deciding goal three minutes from end through a melee of sticks.
BPCL had earlier taken a 2-1 lead in the 42nd minute through Len Aiyappa's penalty corner strike which was neutralised in the 57th minute by Suresh Kumar.
In a fast-paced, entertaining encounter between two Bangalore based teams played under floodlights partially, BPCL were unlucky not to have scored when Hari Prasad's try struck the post.
Army custodian P T Rao was also in great form by bringing off three or four fine saves, including penalty corners.