India beat Canada 5-2 to record a second victory in their USA tour in Pennsylvania on Saturday.
Starting quickly off the blocks India were dominant in the early exchanges, pushing Canada on the defensive. The Eves won a PC early in the first quarter, but failed to convert from it. Soon enough though, they had the lead via Vandana Katariya's field goal in the 9th minute. Off a second PC soon after, Poonam's deflected shot was saved by the defender on the post to prevent India doubling their lead. Canada came out with a PC of their own but India defended strongly to prevent an equaliser and went into the break in the lead.
Canada came out quicker in the second quarter and scored the equaliser via a Stephanie Norlander PC conversion in the 17th minute.
A quick press led to Deepika scoring their second to take the lead in the 38th minute. Canada equalised via a Brienne Stairs goal in the 42nd minute. With little time left in the third quarter, a host of chances fell to both sides with their respective goalkeepers put to the test. Canada's PC was bravely denied by Savita in India's goal, before an attempt by Anuradha was denied by Kaitlyn Williams in Canada's. Inseparable, the teams went into the final break tied at 2-2.
In the final quarter India came out with renewed zest and were soon in the lead via Deepika's second goal in the 49th minute. Two minutes later, Vandana doubled her tally with a field goal and extended India's lead to 4-2.
Reeling from the double blow, Canada tried to string together some possession and take control of the game, but India never truly let them back in it. Poonam Rani scored a fifth in the 58th minute to consolidate a second consecutive victory for India on the tour.
India Juniors beat Scotland
Marlow: India's Junior Men's team started their tour of England with a 2-1 victory over the Scotland Senior Men team in the opening game today at the Bisham Abbey Sports Centre on Saturday.
In wet and rainy conditions, India started off brightly and took the lead via Nilkantha's PC conversion.
India doubled their lead via a quick counter in the final minutes of the second half scored by Simranjeet. Scotland rallied and William Marshall scored one goal late in the game but it proved to be little consolation as smart defending from India ensured they ended up 2-1 winners.