Notwithstanding a smooth passing game, articulated with short taps and punctuated by long sweeps, the IOB strikers often found their incursions cut short as they never got the space and time to prime. It took a penalty corner conversion by Biddappa, in the 23rd minute, for IOB to get its nose in front. Southern Railway soon drew level as Manoj struck after a penalty corner attempt rebounded off the goalkeeper.
This came after two failed attempts off penalty corners in the initial few minutes. A staid second half was marked by a sense of desperation. Earlier, the match between Indian Bank and Income Tax was postponed due to technical reasons. The result: IOB 1 (B.S. Biddappa 23) drew with Southern Railway 1 (Manoj 31).