BHOPAL: Defending champions Railways scored a comprehensive 7-2 win over Jharkhand to enter the final of 2nd Hockey India Senior Women National Championship at Aish Bagh Hockey Stadium, Bhopal on Monday.

Railways were a better outfit and showed a lot of character and composure through the match, It started well and got breakthrough in the second minute through a field goal scored by skipper Jaspreet Kaur.

Jharkhand levelled in the eighth minute when Binita Lakra converted a penalty corner. Six minutes later Railways scored another goal through Joydeep Kaur to lead 2-1 at the break.

Railways dominated the second half with five goals through Soundarya Yendala (17th minute penalty corner), Chanchan Devi (19), Vandana Katariya (21, penalty corner), an own goal in the 24th minute and through Punita Minz (27, penalty corner). Jharkhand scored its second goal through Sarita Lakra three minutes from the end.

“We played to a definite strategy today and that was to be selective in going on the attacks,” said Joydeep Kaur, senior member of Railways team.

“This helped us to score at regular intervals and build pressure on the opponent right from the start of the game. We are confident of defending the title.”

Scores: Railways 7 (Jaspreet Kaur 2nd; Joydeep Kaur 14th; Soundarya Yendala 17th; Chanchan Devi 19th; Vandana Katariya 21st minute; Own goal 24th and Punita Minz 27th) beat Jharkhand 2 (Binita Xess 8th and Sarita Lakra 67th).