Defending champions Kerala [Images] routed Delhi 3-0 to move into the semifinals, while 29-time champions West Bengal signed off with a consolation win against Services in the Air India Express Santosh Trophy National Football Championship in Kochi on Wednesday.

In a lopsided quarterfinal, K Ajayan (43), Abdul Hakkim (53) and N P Pradeep (66) helped the hosts to send Delhi packing. Kerala, having collected six points from two outings, emerged the leader of the Group I, followed by Uttar Pradesh (two points) and Delhi (no points) from as many engagements.

Kerala will meet Maharashtra, the winner of Group III, in the first semifinal on November 18.

In an encounter of academic interest, mighty Bengal overpowered a fighting Services 3-2, with Jayant Sen (28), Raman Viajayan (51) and Rahim Nabi (84) scoring for the winners. L Danny (70) and Shaji A D'Silva (72) pulled two down for Services.

Maharashtra, with six points, had already moved into the semifinals from the group III. Bengal, who lost to Maharashtra, have three points while the Armymen drew a blank.

As both the teams wasted a number of chances, Bengal enjoyed the upper hand throughout with their internationals making continous forays, unlike their previous outings.

Jayant, with a beautifully taken shot, put Bengal ahead. Raman Viajayan, always leading the attacks, found target to increase the lead in the second half.

But two goals in two minutes by Services, put Bengal under pressure before Rahim Nabi scored the winner a few minutes before the final whistle.

In the earlier match, holders Kerala took full control of the game right from the beginning, improving upon their dismal show in the opener.

They did everything from mounting attacks, putting up a champion defence led by M Suresh and taking possession of the ball all the time, but failed to hit the target till 43rd minute.

The good work finally yielded result when a deft long-range grounder by half-back Ajayan beat rival custodian Vijay Singh [Images].

In the eighth minute after break, Hakkim headed home a well-cut free kick from the right flank taken by Pradeep after Kerala striker Mohammed Rafi was fouled by Ranvijay Singh to make it 2-0.

Pradeep then sent a powerful shot that deflected on Ranvijay's legs and went in, to seal the affair for the hosts.

Off-colour Rafi muffed up a number of chances in the front for Kerala. Except for a couple of isolated forays, Delhi could not challenge the hosts.

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