UP twin teams storm national hockey semis

Lucknow, Jan 30 (UNI) The semifinal line-up for the All India K D Singh Babu Invitation Sub Junior Hockey Tournament was completed after the conclusion of the quarter final matches today.

UP's both teams along with Batala (Punjab) and Chhattisgarh entered the semifinals.

In the semifinals to be played on Feburary 1, UP (Blue) will take on Batala and UP (Red) will challenge Chhattisgarh for the final.

In the quarter finals today, UP (Red) beat West Bengal 5-0, UP (Blue) won against Roop nagar 5-0, Batala thrashed Haryana 10-1 and Chhattisgarh beat Orissa 2-1.

In the Batala-Haryana tie, Haryana took the lead in the initial stages when Jitender on his solo effort sounded the board from left flank. Thereafter, they could not sustain their tempo.

Taking advantage, Batala boys forced entry in the rival's citadel striking goals at regular intervals. After leading 5-1 at the breather, finally they trounced Haryana with a big margin of 10-1.

Both UP (Blue) and UP (Red) won their encounter with identical margin of 5-0 against Roop Nagar and West Bengal respectively, while Chhattisgarh in a well contested match beat Orissa 2-1.

Tomorrow is the rest day of the tournament.

UNI