Sub-Jr Women's Hockey C'ship: Manipur hammer J-K

Kaliabor (Assam) [India], Feb 2 (ANI): Manipur defeated Jammu and Kashmir by a convincing scoreline of 3-0 in their Pool A clash at the 8th Hockey India Sub Junior (Women) National Championship 2018 (B Division) here Friday.

The match saw Manipur and Jammu and Kashmir play out a goal-less first-half as they tried to sneak in behind each other's defense.

However, it was Manipur who showed quality in the second half as they scored within two minutes of the restart and extended their lead to 3-0 towards the latter stages of the match. Goals for Manipur were scored by Sophia Devi Kshetrimayum (37'), Shileima Chanu Khaidem (58') and Tamphasana Devi Thokchom (69').

In Pool C, Uttarakhand managed to hold on to their lead as they defeated Goans 3-2. It was a nervy match for Uttarakhand as after taking a 3-0 lead after the first 15 minutes, they let Goans make a comeback by not being able to keep out the latter's attacks. It meant that Goans struck twice in the 17th and the 44th minutes to make the scores 3-2 in Hockey Uttarakhand's favour.

However, the latter did well to keep their lead intact as they defended well. Goals for Uttarakhand were scored by Gungun Kashyap (11'), Shruti Mamgain (13') and Prachi (15') while Seema Navalgund (17', 44') scored a brace for Goans.

In a Pool D match, Sports Authority of Gujarat - Hockey Academy defeated Rajasthan by a margin of 2-0. It was a difficult match for Rajasthan as they failed to make the most of their goal-scoring chances and conceded twice to Sports Authority of Gujarat - Hockey Academy, one goal in either half. A brace from Sports Authority of Gujarat - Hockey Academy's Sharmila Gamar (11', 40') was enough for them to secure the win.

Coorg also emerged victorious as they defeated Gujarat by an impressive margin of 10-0 in . It turned out to be schooling for Gujarat as Coorg's quality of play helped them in scoring three goals in the first half and another seven goals in the second half. Goals for Coorg were scored by PT Shilpa (17', 40', 46', 54'), PU Ramya (22', 32', 39', 57'), B A Shaya Kaveramma (37') and G Kavya (61').

In another Pool B match, Mumbai School Sports Association beat Citizen Hockey XI by a margin of 8-0. It was a comfortable victory for Mumbai School Sports Association as they scored six goals inside the first half and stamped their authority on the match from the start. They took their foot off the paddle in the second half but still scored two goals to register a 8-0 victory over a Citizen Hockey XI side. Goals for Mumbai School Sports Association were scored by Sakshi Pagar (10', 19'), Amanda D'Souza (20', 34'), Mahek Surti (27', 33'), Sanchi Gangurde (40') and Alreya D'Souza (48').

In another Pool D match, Assam scored a comprehensive 4-0 victory over Kerala which saw Assam score two goals in each half. The first goal for Assam came in only the 8th minute of the match through Maxima Xalxo as she converted a Penalty Corner for her team. Kerala kept their opponents quiet post the first goal but could not keep out the second goal which was scored in the 30th minute when Elina Tigga found the back of the net for Assam.

Two more goals in the second half for Assam wrapped up the win as Maxima Xalxo scored her second of the match in the 48th minute and Jespina Horo also registered her name on the score-sheet with a goal in the 52nd minute.(ANI)