BHUBANESWAR 27-Apr-2008 140
Jharkhand Rugby Football Association lifted the title in the seven-a-side Central India Rugby Tournament, which concluded at the Kalinga Stadium here today. In the low-scoring final, Jharkhand upset favourites Bhubaneswar Rugby Football Club 7-5. This was a sweet revenge for the Jharkhand outfit, which had lost to Bhubaneswar in the group league.
In the semifinals, Jharkhand beat Kalinga Rugby Club (Angul) 24-0, while Bhubaneswar got the better of Uttar Pradesh Rugby Football Association 19-0. Former State Sports Director Vishal Gagan gave away the trophy at the closing function.
Host Orissa asserted their supremacy on the opening day of the two-day tournament, which was organised by Orissa Rugby Football Association. Earlier in group league, Bhubaneswar RFC registered three straight wins in group-A, while Kalinga Rugby Club posted back-to-back victories in group-B.
Seven teams, including two outstation ones, joined the tournament, which was inaugurated by KIIT University Chancellor Dr Achyuta Samanta.
RESULTS (Group League):
Group-A: Bhubaneswar RFC bt KISS RFC 50-0, Jharkhand RFA bt Puri RFC 35-0, Bhubaneswar bt Puri RFC 45-5, KISS RFC bt Puri RFC 38-0, Bhubaneswar RFC bt Jharkhand RFA 26-10.
Group-B: Kalinga RC bt Uttar Pradesh RA 26-0, Kalinga RC bt Cuttack RFC 34-0, Uttar Pradesh RA bt Cuttack RFC 10-7.
