Punjab Warriors (PW) and Ranchi Rhinos (RR) are to play their last league match on Wednesday and all set to face each other in the semi-final of Hockey India league’s (HIl) second edition on February 22.
Presently, Warriors own 35 points securing the second position from last nine matches. On the other hand, Rhinos from the similar number of matches occupy the fourth position in the standings with 24 points.
Talking to The Pioneer after a practice session on Tuesday afternoon, JPW’s Captain Jamie Dwyer quoted Rhinos as ‘tough contender’. He said, “Delhi Wave Riders and Uttar Pradesh Wizards are also a competition for us besides Rhinos. It feels good.”
Both the teams had faced each other in Mohali on February 16 where Warriors had a convincing win against the HIl-1 champions (Rhinos) by 4-2 goals.
Sources report that Rhinos have some good outings in the initial phase of the league but have somehow lost momentum in the last few matches because of some key players sitting out with injuries. Forward player of this team Mandeep Singh is out from the league after January 27’s match against Delhi Wave Riders due a waist injury demanding a rest for three weeks by the doctor. The game is ‘out of hope’ for midfielder Austin Smith as well because of an injury.
However, team’s drag flick expert Ashley Jackson who got an ankle sprain last week is fit for today’s match since he underwent a regular physiotherapy treatment at a clinic of the state capital.
Warriors’ player Sandeep Singh has seven goals in his kitty. His team mates confirmed that he is eager to continue his goal scoring feat and yet again be the highest goal scorer for the league.
Whoever wins this match, will have a challenging time till semi-finals. Rhinos Head Coach Gregg Clark said, “In our last game against them the team played well in the first half but somehow lost the momentum in the second half which in a way costs us the game. Presently the team is not playing with its full strength, which in a way has affected our performance on the field. We are feeling the absence of our injured key players. Hopefully, they will be back in the squad for the crucial phase of the league.”
The final match of HIl-2 is scheduled on February 23. “It will be our second game against Ranchi Rhinos and this time it will be on their home ground. In our last game they played well in the first half and we have to remember that they played without their key players in the squad,” JPW Head Coach Barry Dancer said.