Jr Nat hockey: Bhopal, Jharkhand on scoring spree

Bhopal and Jharkhand went on a goal-scoring spree in their respective boys and girls' matches in the 35th Junior (under-20) National Hockey Championship, organized by the Pune District Hockey Association, under the auspices of the Indian Hockey Federation, on Wednesday.

Sadly, it was teams from Tripura who had to face the wrath in both the matches.

Bhopal had things much their own way as they crushed a hapless Tripura 25-0 in the Pool 'H' boys' match, at the Major Dhyanchand ground, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Nehrunagar on Wednesday morning.

Meanwhile, at the Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex, Balewadi, the girls from Jharkhand dictated terms as they romped to 22-0 win over Tripura.

Bhopal, who had beaten West Bengal 6-0 on Tuesday and play Baroda in the final pool match on Thursday are assured of a berth in the pre-quarter-finals. Even a draw will be sufficient for Bhopal to advance.

Earlier, West Bengal lads defeated Baroda 12-0.

Mumbai recorded their second successive win when they handed Vidarbha a 5-0 defeat in a boys' Pool B match.

Narad Bahadur once again showed his prowess in converting penalty-corners as he netted twice, in the 31st and 50th minute, after Ashish Bhosale opened the scoring for Mumbai in the 19th.

Vikram Yadav and Premananda Meeti netted a goal each to complete the win.