Mumbai strugle to defeat UP

TIRUPATI, JULY 19: Mumbai, teeming with internationals, were unimpressive in their solitary goal victory over Uttar Pradesh in the inaugural match of the Nutrine Sixth Women’s hockey Federation Cup here today.

Mumbai earned seven penalty corners in the first half and eight in the second, against UP’s sole corner in the second. The crucial goal came in the 20th minute, from the sixth penalty corner taken by Poonam Surin. Sangai Chanu stopped it for Silvinia Toppo to push forward through a maze of legs. Chanu surged ahead and sounded the board with an impeccable flick.

Following the withdrawal of Chandigarh, who failed to turn up, the organisers had to revise the groupings. Railways, Punjab, Bihar and AP are now in Pool A; Haryana, Bombay, Orissa and UP in Pool B.

According to the revised fixtures, Mumbai play Haryana on July 20, and Orissa on July 22. The semi-finals are on July 25, the final on July 26.