Waveriders win big

Table leaders Delhi Waveriders extended their invincible run in the Hockey India league as they trounced Ranchi Rhinos 5-2 at the Astroturf Hockey Stadium here on Friday.

Waveriders have 39 points, 10 more than second-placed Rhinos. Gurwinder Singh Chandi scored a brace, while Simon Child, Rupinder Pal Singh and Gurbaj Singh scored a goal each for Waveriders. Nick Wilson and Manpreet Singh netted for the losers.

In the third minute, Chandi got a good ball in the left flank, but miss-timed his strike. The ball came at a very slow pace and Tirkey who was trying to kick the ball out, missed it, giving visitors an early lead. Four minutes later, another mistake by Tirkey and some superb skills by Waveriders’ forwards, made it 2-0.

 Chandi then scored one of the best goals of the tournament so far. Chandi made a fabulous diving connection off a Akashdeep cross and managed to generate good pace to beat Cortes.  Rhinos finally found their scoring touch in the 23rd minute through Wilson. Rupinder Pal restored Waveriders’ three-goal lead with a fierce drag-flick.

Waveriders ended the game as a contest when Gurbaj scored their fifth goal in the 50th minute before  Manpreet scoring off a penalty corner to reduce the margin.