Maharashtra in semis

BANGALORE, June 7: Striking once in each half, Maharashtra defeated Services 2-0 to evade a semi-final clash with defending champions Punja...

BANGALORE, June 7: Striking once in each half, Maharashtra defeated Services 2-0 to evade a semi-final clash with defending champions Punjab, who shared points with Bihar after their match was abandoned due to failure of the sprinkler system at the Karnataka State Hockey Association today.

In the semi-finals on Sunday, Services will take on Pool A winners Punjab, while Bihar play Pool B winners Maharashtra.

The pipe supplying water to the sprinkler system broke down and the last match was played in poor lighting as the plumbers, who worked out a makeshift arrangement, succeeded in watering the Poligras turf only at 5:20 p.m. Earlier, Bihar and Punjab, who were already assured of semi-final berths, agreed to share the points and did not take the field. Punjab topped the pool by virtue of scoring more goals.

In an inconsequential league match, Tamil Nadu defeated Gujarat 4-2. Both teams are out of the tournament.

In the women8217;s section, holders Punjab and Bihar from Pool A and Chandigarh from Pool B made it to the last four stage to join Orissa, who made the grade on Friday. All the three teams won their matches today.

Maharashtra men failed to match the speed or fitness of their rivals Services but were far more skillful and exhibited impressive coordination to score once in each session and topped the pool.

Skipper Gavin Ferreira, who returned a much-better player after his stint in the French league, showed ease and grace in tackling the rival players and his ball control was admirable. Even Sabu Varkey and Ravi Nayakar were in their elements and pleased with their moves up front. But it was Saurab Bishnoi, who sounded the boards through their second penalty corner with a power-packed shot in the eighth minute. After resumption, Nayakar and Rajan Lakra were involved in a superb move. Nayakar gave a beautiful pass to Lakra on the wrong-foot8217; and a goal-bound Lakra was brought down by the Services goalkeeper. Surender Singh converted the stroke.

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In today8217;s women8217;s matches, Bihar slammed six without reply against Maharashtra with Asrita Lakra 2, M Surin, Kanthi Kujur, U Toppo and Sumathi Xalxo being the scorers while Punjab defeated Himachal Pradesh 6-2.