It was a clash of the Titans as Hockey India league (HIl) reigning champions Ranchi Rhinos (RR) and runners-up Delhi Wave Riders (DWR) played their first match against each other in the second season. Rhinos defeated the latter by one goal.
It went neck and neck till the third quarter and none of the teams could score a goal. There were plenty of chances for both the teams but they failed to convert the opportunities. RR's midfielder K Kothajit Singh made a nice stick work in the 27th minute. In the 31st minute, it was DPW’s turn to show their skills as two of their forwards Akashdeep Singh and Talwinder Singh raided the opposition’s circle and earned a penalty corner.
Credit goes to the goalkeepers, who were severely tested on many occasions but came up with impressive point blank saves.
In one of the quick raids, Marc Salles snatched the ball from Sardar Singh and played it to Amon Mirash Tirkey, who took the ball near the post but was tripped by a defender, thereby earning a penalty corner in the 63rd minute. Ashley Jackson’s scorching flick beat DWR custodian Hamish Mcgreger to make it 1-0.
On Tuesday, Kalinga lancers, newly inducted team in the HIl, make their debut against Jaypee Punjab Warriors at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar.