BANGALORE, June 8: Defending champions Punjab and Maharashtra will clash in a repeat final of the National Games men's hockey championship tomorrow. In the semi-finals today, star-studded Punjab scored a facile victory over Services, though the 3-2 scoreline suggests otherwise and Maharashtra thrashed a fighting Bihar 3-1 at the Karnataka State Hockey Stadium turf.In the women's final, Orissa, who stopped holders Punjab thanks to a lone goal by Ashrita Toppo will cross swords with Chandigarh, who beat Bihar 3-2.

A powerful drive off a penalty-corner by Jagdev Singh put Punjab in lead in the 10th minute. In the 29th minute, they increased the margin with a plucky goalthrough a diving Sukhwinder Singh. After the crossover, Sanjeev Kumar struck the third for Punjab.

Later, with Punjab relaxing the grip, Services pulled one back in the 58th minute when Francis Ravi Kumar found the net off a rebound. In the dying minutes, KK Poonacha converted a penalty-corner to make it 2-3.

Bihar put up a determined fight and managed to hold a strong Maharashtra till half-time. But seconds into the second session, Maharashtra earned a short corner. Saurab Bishnoi took the hit and Ravi Nayakar's rebound to Rajan Lakra, found the net. Six minutes later, Gavin Ferreira made it 2-0 following another penalty corner where Bishnoi played the `dummy' to perfection. And soon, an unmarked Rajan Lakra, found the net, receiving a well-timed pass from Amjad Khan.

Bihar scored a consolation goal through Rajesh Dang, in the 68th minute.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.