Contrasting fortunes for Maharashtra and Orissa hockey teams

Ranchi, Feb 14 (PTI) Star-studded Maharashtra held on totheir narrow 2-1 lead to beat Orissa in men''s hockey, buttheir women suffered an embarrassing 3-0 rout at the hands ofthe former in the preliminary round of the 34th National Gamesat the Astro-turf here today.

Lalit Upadhya put Maharastra ahead in the 17 minute andthe winners consolidated their position when Pramod Kumar hitthe second goal of the match five minutes before half time.

Orissa reduced the margin through Amardeep Ekka justthree minutes before the final hooter.

Double strike by Anupa Barla and a Sunita Lakra''s fineshot helped Orissa drub Maharastra in the women''s group tie.