Waveriders beat UP 4-3 to consolidate No. 1 position
Delhi Waveriders continued their impressive run in the second edition of Hero Hockey India league (HHIl) and beat hosts Uttar Pradesh Wizards 4-3 in a high-scoring league match to extend their lead at the top of the points table at the Major Dhyan Chand Hockey Stadium in lucknow on Saturday.
The match was expected to a be a exciting affair, especially after the two teams finished 1-1 in their previous encounter in New Delhi and it turned out to be one as it rained goals throughout the entire 70 minutes, much to the delight of the spectators.
The Sardar Singh-led Delhi, which finished runners-up in the inaugural HHIl last year, showed exactly why they were considered as one of the pre-tournament favorites and pumped in as many as four goals in the opening 20 minutes to stun Wizards and their home fans.
Delhi opened the scoring in the 8th minute through a field goal by Talwinder Singh before Rupinderpal Singh (14th minute) converted a penalty corner six minutes later to take a 2-0 lead in the first quarter.
The second quarter unfolded on similar lines as the Delhi scored two more goals to extend their advantage.
Simon Child (19th, 20th minutes) scored two goals in a span of two minutes to rattle the home team. While the New Zealand striker's first goal came from a field effort, the next came via penalty corner.
UP, however, did not give up hope and produced a spirited fight back to found the opposition net thrice in the last two quarters and keep their hopes alive.
Nikkin Thimmaiah (30th minute) scored the first goal for the hosts from a field strike before skipper V R Raghunath (38th minute) converted a penalty corner eight minutes later as the Wizards went into the final quarter trailing by 2-4.
Teun de Nooijer scored another field goal for UP to bring back life into the match.
Thereafter the hosts pressed hard for the equalizer with persistent attacks but Delhi Waveriders defense stood tall like a rock to ensure full five points from the game.
The win consolidated Delhi position at the top of the standings with 29 points from eight games, while Wizards continued to occupy the fourth spot on 15 points from six matches.
In their next match, Delhi will host Ranchi Rhinos on February 12, while Wizards will host Kalinga lancers on Sunday.
Punjab beat Mumbai 4-1
In a dominating display of brilliant counter-attack, Jaypee Punjab Warriors defeated hosts Dabur Mumbai Magicians 4-1 to consolidate their second place by taking their points tally to 23 from six matches.
SV Sunil found the net to give a 1-0 lead for the visitors in the third minute of the match and later Dharamvir Singh made 2-0 in the 17th minute.
Inthe second quarter, Pujab came up with two more goals as Affan Yousuf scored one in the 25th minute and set up a penalty stroke which was converted by Sandeep Singh.
VS Vinay scored the lone goal for the Magicians, who are languishing at the last spot of the league table with six points.
Mumbai play Ranchi on Sunday at 8.00 PM.