BHUBANESWAR 02-Sep-2012 437
Pune-A retained the Division-One title in the Senior National Women`s Rugby Sevens Tournament, trouncing local favourites Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) 32-0 in the Cup final here at Kalinga Stadium today. Earlier in the day, Neha Pardeshi-led Pune-A routed Pune-B 39-0 and Bhubaneswar 35-0 in the quarter and semifinals respectively.
The hardworking KISS girls, led by international Bhagyalaxmi Barik, caused a major upset in the Cup semifinals, ousting former champions Jungle Crows (Kolkata) 15-10. But in the final, they appeared tired and were outclashed in all departments of the game. Young Rugby Club (Kolkata) won the Division-One Plate final, defeating Kerala 5-0. Earlier in the semifinals, YRC got the better of Pune-B 15-5, while Kerala cruised past Delhi Lions 10-0.
Bangalore emerged champions in Division-Two, beating Delhi Hurricanes 15-7 in the Cup final. Jharkhand won the Division-Two Plate final, inflicting a 17-0 defeat on Chhattisgarh. Both Bangalore and Delhi Hurricanes were promoted to Division-One for next year`s National championship.
Odisha Sports Minister Ramesh Chandra Majhi handed over the trophies at the closing function. India rugby team captain Nasser Hussain, host Odisha Rugby Football Association president Priyadarshi Mishra and secretary U K Mohanty were present on the occasion.
