Mohanty fails to hold off Assam

A valiant bowling effort by R Mohanty (8-52) could not prevent Assam from taking the first innings lead in their East Zone Vijay Merchant Trophy match at Guwahati yesterday. Resuming at 35-2, Assam were dismissed for 156, a lead of 38. Captain Palasjoyti Das top scored with 78 in an innings in which six men failed to score. In their second innings Orissa lost two early wickets but recovered to 107-3 after a 101 run 3rd wicket stand between Niranjan Behera (60) and SP Priyadarshan (38 not out). Behera was out in the last over before stumps.