Orissa thrash Jharkhand in National Games women''s football

Jamshedpur, Feb 17 (PTI) Maintaining their winning spree,defending champions Orissa thrashed hosts Jharkhand 8-0 toround off their Group ''A'' league encounters unbeaten in thewomen''s football event of 34th National Games here today.

Jharkhand''s defeat has paved way for Tamil Nadu to enterthe semi-final by virtue of better goal difference whereasOrissa has already made it to the last four from Group ''A''.

Last edition''s runners up Manipur and West Bengal, withsix points from two matches each, have moved into the lastfour from Group ''B''.

In the match between Orissa and Jharkhand in the morningsession today, Orissa took control right from the kick off anddid not leave any opportunity for the opponents to takeupper-hand throughout the proceedings.

Captain Sradhanjali Samantaray put Orissa into the leadin the 10th minute and they continued to mount pressure on thehosts, who had defeated Haryana 4-2 in the opener on Sundaylast. Orissa led 5-0 at lemon-break.

While forward Sasmita struck a hat-trick (21st, 36th and39th minutes), Samantaray scored two goals (10th and 71st).

Pinky Bompal Magar (27th), Jhili Muna (47th) and Thunki Munda(58th) contributed with one goal each for the winners whofinished with nine points from their group engagements.

Orissa will now take on the runners up of Group ''B'',which will be decided after the Manipur-West Bengal encounterslated for later during the day,.

The final will be played on February 19.

In another Group ''B'' match, Tripura gave a walk over toAssam as a majority of their players were unfit.