7th Sub Jr Women's National C'ship: Assam Hockey crush Hockey J-K in opener

Ramanathapuram (Tamil Nadu) [India], Jan.4 (ANI): Assam Hockey produced an imperious performance as they crushed Hockey Jammu and Kashmir 6-0 in the opening clash of the Hockey India 7th Sub Junior Women's National Hockey Championship 2017 at the SDAT Velumanickam Synthetic Hockey Stadium here on Wednesday. In an exciting day, the very first two games saw two hat-tricks scored by Assam Hockey's Munmuni Das and Hockey Gujarat's Prachi Nikam. The tournament opened in Pool A with Assam Hockey taking on Hockey Jammu and Kashmir. Assam Hockey dominated the opening period of the game and raced into a lead in the 10th minute via a Milka Surin penalty corner conversion. The two teams would play out the first half without scoring again. In the second half, Assam Hockey took firm control of the game and dictated proceedings. Munmuni Das's quick fire hat trick in six minutes (55', 59', 61') gave them an unassailable lead that would take them to victory. Elina Tigga (57', 70') bagged a brace in the win. In Pool A's second game, Hockey Gujarat beat Dadra and Nagar Haveli Hockey Association 5-0. The two teams were locked in a stale mate at halftime, but in the second half Hockey Gujarat cranked up the gears to take the victory. Goals for Hockey Gujarat were scored by Prachi Nikam (42', 52', 56') and Neha Pande (54', 59'). Vidarbha Hockey Association forfeited their match against Sports Authority of Gujarat - Hockey Academy in Pool B. Hockey Uttarakhand won 4-2 against Kerala Hockey in a pulsating encounter from Pool C. Kerala Hockey took a 2-0 lead courtesy of two Meghna Vhandran goals either side of half time (35', 44'). Hockey Uttarakhand rallied back within the space of two minutes though, riding on their captain Swati Kumari's (47', 49') incisive finishing to drag themselves level. With the game heading towards a draw Madhu found the winner in the 68th minute and then added another in the 69th minute to cap a brilliant comeback victory for Hockey Uttarakhand. The remaining match for the day will see Pool D encounter between Hockey Rajasthan and Hockey Himachal. (ANI)