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History beckons Orissa Steelers as they take on Sher-e-Jalandhar in the first of the best-of-three final of the Premier Hockey League at the Sector 42 stadium in Chandigarh on Saturday.

And Steelers coach Ajay Kumar Bansal was quick to point out that his team would go on an all out attack. “We are going to attack them and surprise them a bit. They are known for their attacks and we have a better defence. Also, our high penalty corner conversion rate in the Chandigarh leg is going to help our forward line,” he said.

He also singled out skipper Dilip Tirkey for praise. “Not only is he (Dilip) brilliant in defence, he has a knack of scoring with the penalty corners.” Incidentally, Dilip is the second highest scorer in the PHL this year with nine goals. “I know it is very crucial for me to score in the final. God willing, I will score,” Dilip said.

What may hurt the Shers is the absence of Santi Freixa, who had been instrumental in setting up several goals for the team. The Steelers coach praised the youngsters in his team.

“Damandeep Singh has shown he has the temperament and character,” he said.

There is not much to choose from between the two teams, as both have won once each in their league clashes. While Steelers won here 2-1, Jalandhar were 4-3 winners, via tiebreaker, in Chennai.

Warriors finish fourth

Maratha Warriors beat Chennai Warriors 3-2 to finish fourth in the PHL.