In the semi-finals played today, Punjab snuffed out the challenge of Delhi whom they beat 16-7 while Kerala carried far too many guns for Maharashtra whom they routed 30-16.

The defending champions Kerala girls virtually faced little resistance from Maharashtra. The winners established a 13-9 lead in the first half. Captain Usha Nandni topscored for Kerala with 13 goals. Shiva (5), Reena (4), Shelly (4) extended full support to their captain.

Vandana (3), Jawala (2), Janshree (3), Kalyani (3), Mukta (2) Chitra (2) and Nisha (1) were Maharashtra's goal-getters.

Punjab earned a chance to take revenge from Kerala for their defeat at the hands of the southern team in the last Nationals in Lucknow, by beating Delhi. Gurpreet Kaur continued to serve Punjab with brilliant display. Today she contributed six goals. Harjinder (5), Kulwinder (2), Mandeep, Harvinder and Harpreet (1 each) were the other scorers for Punjab.

Delhi's Suman waged a tough battle as she pierced the tough Punjab defence five times. Harpreet and Shiva contributed one goal each for the losers.

The final will be played tomorrow at 2.30 p.m.