RCF defeats Western Railway, to clash with Northern Railway

Mumbai: Rail Coach Factory, Kapurthala, dethroned Western Railway by an authoritative 3-0 margin to enter the final of the 35th All India Inter Railway Women's Hockey Tournament at the Mahindra Stadium here today.

The holders dominated the play in the first half but conceded in a goal on the stroke of half time which turned the tide in favour of RCF. RCF will take on Northern Railway in the title round after the latter beat hosts Central Railway 2-0 in a well-contested game.

RCF went ahead through a fine goal by Amandeep Kaur. The sturdy Punjabi girl finished a fine move from the right by Anuradha Thokchom.

The winners had a good opportunity when they got a penalty stroke early in the second half after Anuradha's stick was checked by a defender as she was about to score. The stroke was saved by Sanarika Chanu to her left as Monika came up with a weak grounder.

Despite this hiccup RCF kept on attacking and were rewarded with a goal in the 50th minute of play as Deepika Thakur got hold of a cross from Anuradha to beat rival custodian Sanarika and scored with a reverse hit.

Vartika rounded off the tally with a minute left by scooping beautifully over an advancing Sanarika. Central who had a few current internationals in their ranks, dominated the first half. However, they were kept at bay by Northern custodian Rajani who once made a diving save to her right from a fine penalty corner by Ranjita.

The second half proved to be Central's undoing as they conceded an own goal. Ritu Rani who went down the middle tried to pass but fortunately for her the ball struck a defender's stick and crossed the line. Central's goalkeeper E Rajani was wrong footed on that occasion.

Unable to convert three penalty corners there after Central got demoralised. Usha Singh's 59th minute goal snuffed the fight out of Central who now contest for the third place on the morrow with their city mates Western Railway.