Bhubaneswar: Odisha girls’ team narrowly missed out on a gold medal and had to settle for silver at the Societe Generale Junior (U-18) National Rugby Sevens Championships at the SDAT Race Course Ground in Madurai. The tournament took place July 20-22. The state boys’ team, after losing their semifinal contest, won the bronze medal play-off game.
The state eves lost 12-17 to neighbours West Bengal in the summit clash while the boys defeated West Bengal 21-14 in the third-fourth place play-off on the final day.
Selection camp
Keeping an eye on the upcoming Ranji Trophy 2018-19 season, the Odisha Cricket Association (OCA) announced Sunday the dates of the selection camp. The camp will start July 27 in Cuttack with 128 players taking part in the selection trials, informed OCA selection committee chairman Bishnudev Mohanty.
Thirty four players, including members of the last season’s Ranji squad and players, who played in senior level national tournaments, will be called for the trials in the opening phase. The players have also been informed that prime importance will be given to fitness.
The remaining 94 players will be called in the first week of August for trials. In the next phases, the players who played in U-23 tournaments last season and four players each from every district will be called for the trials. Cricketers who performed well during the Kalahandi Cup will also be given a chance to prove their mettle. The training camp of the U-16 state team will start in Cuttack, August 2.