Riding on a brace by Kanwalpreet Singh, Sher-e-Jalandhar put paid to the hopes of Maratha Warriors with a 2-1 victory in a Premier Hockey League match in Chandigarh on Thursday.
Shers drew the first blood in the ninth minute after skipper Gagan Ajit Singh earned a penalty-corner after a raid from the right. Kanwalpreet's direct hit kissed Warriors goalkeeper Adrian D'Souza stick and settled in the net.
Premier Hockey League coverage
Two minutes later, Shers forced two successive penalty-corners and off the second Kanwalpreet's shot was blocked by the goalkeeper and the rebound by Prabhadeep was saved on the goalline by Sunil Yadav.
Then, a goalmouth melee saw the ball hit Sunil Yadav's foot and Pakistan umpire Zulfikar awarded another penalty-corner.
However, after Shers protested, the third umpire was consulted and a penalty stroke was awarded.
Kanwalpreet, who took the stroke, sent a quick one to the top left corner of the net to make it 2-0.
Warriors fought hard but could only reduce the margin in the 37th minute converting the first of the three penalty-corners earned in the match.
Imran Warsi sent a stunning drag-flick into the right corner to beat rival custodian Maninder Singh.