Chennai: Southern Railway bagged the third all-India annual invitation basketball tournament for the Jeppiaar Trophy, beating South East Central Railway (SECR) 89-40 in the women's final at the JJ Indoor Stadium, here on Thursday.

It was a foregone conclusion as to which team would win the summit clash given the experience and history of the Southern Railway outfit.

SECR played really well in the first quarter, converting baskets that came its way. Skipper Anju Lakra showed the way with neat passes, while Seema, Bharati, and Akansha did well in their assigned roles.

At the end of first-quarter, SECR took a 14-13 lead. In the next three quarters, Southern Railway raced ahead, while SECR looked a mere passenger. Anitha shinned all thorugh the final, scoring 31 points.

Pivot Apoorva, forward S. Kokila, who was adjudged Player of the Tournament, and ball handler Alagu Tamilmozhi all played their part exceptionally well.

South received Rs. 80,000, while SECR got Rs. 50,000.

The Hindu