Monday 11 June, 2007

Maharashtra, Manipur enter semis



Photo: Anand Chaini
Maharashtra in whites and Tamil Nadu in reds
B D Narayankar
bapun@sakalherald.com

PUNE: Maharashtra, along with Manipur, entered semifinals of country’s First Youth National American Football Tournament in great style, thrashing Chattisgarh 63-0 here at Mathurawala Ground on Sunday.

Sangram Lonkar was the highest scorer of the tournament so far after earning 24 points reaching the endzones. In an earlier encounter, Maharashtra pummeled Tamil Nadu 25-6.

Manipur became the first team to enter semifinals beating Goa 6-0. They had a tough time adjusting the new norms framed by organising committee, considering the lack of facilities available at the ground. The game, usually, is played on grass.

Manipur made several attempts for touchdowns at the endzones, but could not do so because of good defensive attack displayed by Goans in first three quarters of 10 minutes each.

Manipur got the much-needed sixer when A Canman left the pile of crowd behind him after running in from 10 yards to reach the endzone just before the final whistle.

Earlier, Manipur thrashed Andhra Pradesh 14-0. The former earned six points twice with N Ishorchawdra and Rishikanta’s help. Other two bonus points were scored yet again by Ishorchadra.

RESULTS: Round Robin League: Manipur bt AP 14-0; Manipur bt Goa 6-0; Maharashtra bt Tamil Nadu 25-6; Maharashtra bt Chattisgarh 63-0.

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