New Delhi: Northern Railways started their campaign in style as they thrashed Indian Universities 7-1 in the opening match of the 48th Nehru Senior Hockey Tournament played here at the Dhyanchand Stadium on Monday. 

Northern Railways who are one of the favorites win the tournament started off rather dull and let the opposition take advantage. Indian Universities drew the first blood of the match in the 18th minute, through Amrit. After conceding the goal, Railways pulled up their socks and equalized within two minutes through Jagmeet Singh.

Eight minutes Railways found the nets for the second time when Sajjan Singh converted a penalty stroke to earn the lead for his team. There were no more goals scored in first half as the teams went into half time with a score line of 2-1.

After the change of ends, things remained quite silent until in the 59th minute of the match when the hero of the match, Joga Singh sprang into action to get first of his three goals. It was this goal this goal that opened up the floodgates and they scored four more goals within the next ten minutes including two goals by Joga Singh.