Delhi Waveriders scored two late field goals in the final five minutes of their first home game of the fourth Hockey India league season but by then the damage had been done. UP Wizards had made most of the home side’s poor penalty corner conversion to win 6-4 as the hooter went at the Shivaji Stadium.
Decision to move from the higher capacity Major Dhyan Chand Stadium to Shivaji Stadium was taken in order to fill up the stands and ensure no empty seats but, on a weekday, that plan failed. Portions of the stands behind both goals were left empty but in comparison with the first three editions, there was more noise and atmosphere at the Shivaji Stadium. With the stands much closer to the pitch, there was a downside too which became all too apparent in the second quarter when a stray clearance by a Wizards player had everyone in the media tribune duck for cover.
On the pitch, however, UP were resolute in their defense and swift in their attack - something that cannot be said for Delhi’s performance. The biggest problem for Delhi going forward is undoubtedly going to be their penalty corners. The home side converted none from the 10 opportunities while the opponents converted two from five.
With their second win in the tournament, Wizards continue to stay fifth with 12 points. Delhi, on the other hand, dropped to third with 16 points.
Wizards had taken the lead in the 19th minute through Rupinder Pal Singh’s penalty corner goal. That was added on to by Chinglensana Singh (54th minute), Jamie Dwyer (55th minute) and Gonzalo Peillat (58th minute). The home side tried to stage a comeback courtesy Justin Reid-Ross (25th minute) and Talwinder Singh (58th minute) but fell short.
Waveriders were the more threatening of the two teams in the first two quarters but failed to make the most of the possession.
Four consecutive PC’s were won at the close of the second quarter but PR Sreejesh was equal to the task when needed.
In the final quarter which saw nine goals, Chinglensana stretched UP’s lead with a fine reverse goal after a strong run. Aussie legend Jamie Dwyer added another a minute later with a low drive from the right to make Delhi’s task improbable.
Seconds later, Reid-Ross reduced the deficit to 2-5 when he found space in the box to control, turn and beat Sreejesh. However, in the aftermath, Tristian White saw red for bad behaviour.
Delhi were also smart with their tenth penalty corner to stop it outside the circle and convert for it to be counted as a field goal — which is two goals as per the new rules.