Dabur Mumbai Magicians recorded their first win in the second edition of Hero Hockey India league (HHIl), beating debutants Kalinga lancers 3-2 in an entertaining league match at the Mahindra Hockey Stadium in Mumbai on Sunday.
It took Mumbai nine games to register their first victory in the league, while for Kalinga it was a disappointing end to their maiden campaign in the six-team tournament. DMM opened the scoring 30 seconds from the first quarter through captain Glenn Turner (17th minute), who converted a half chance into goal from a rebound.
Magicians kept up the pressure on lancers goal and earned three penalty corners in the second quarter, the last of which was converted by Mark Gleghorne in the 33rd minute as the hosts enjoyed 2-0 lead at halftime.
Magicians continued on the same breathe after the lemon break and secured another penalty corner but the wasted the opportunity. Kalinga reduced the margin in the 43rd minute through Mohd Nizammuddin's fine field goal.
Magicians restored their two goal lead in the 57th minute when Ravipal Singh scooped the ball into Kalinga lancers goal after being fed by Sarvanjit Singh. lancers scored their second goal a minute later through lucas Villa's (58th minute) slap deflection from top of D.
Kalinga thereafter went all out in search of the equalizer but an alert David Harte in Magicians goal denied them on at least three to four occasions in the final few minutes of the game to keep Mumbai slender lead intact and hand the home team their maiden win this year. It was Kalinga's final game in HHIl 2014 as they rounded off the campaign with 17 points from 10 games, which includes two victories, seven losses and one draw. Mumbai pocketed their first five points of the season and took their tally to 13 points from nine games.
Punjab ensure top two finish; beat Ranchi 4-2
Jaypee Punjab Warriors assured themselves second place in the points table with a 4-2 win over Ranchi Rhinos. After SV Sunil's field goal in the 17th minute, it was Ranchi who took the lead with two penalty conversions by Amit Rohidas and Justin Reid-Ross within six minutes in the second quarter. Australian legend Mark Knowles helped the hosts equalise one minute before the half-time.
The third quarter didn't yield any goal but Sandeep Singh broke the deadlock of a short corner in the 55th minute and six minutes later, Australian Kieran Govers scored from another penalty corner to give Punjab two minutes cushion.
This win helped them take their points tally to 35 from nine matches while Ranchi, who have now lost three matches on trot, have 25 points, which is two less than third-placed UP Wizards. Both teams have played nine matches each.
Delhi Waveriders are leading the table with 39 points. Monday will be a rest day.