Waveriders cruise to huge win

Delhi Waveriders cruised to a commanding 5-0 victory over debutants Kalinga Lancers in Hero Hockey India League at the Major Dhyan Chand National stadium on Thursday.  

Waveriders, favourites going into the match, lived upto the billing in their first home match this year. 

They held the lion’s share in ball possession and kept the Lancers’ backline busy with relentless raids. In fact, most of the action took place in the Lancers’ half with the home side dominating from start to finish.

The victory has put Waveriders on the top of the points table with 11 points from three matches. They pip Punjab Warriors, also on 11 points, on the basis of goal difference.
  
Rupinder Pal Singh  (13th, 29th) scored a brace with Matt Gohdes (21st), Danish Mujtaba (48th), and Lloyd Norris Jones (53rd) score apiece. Lancers’ squandered all the three penalty corner chances to remain goalless.

It was a perfect treat for home fans, who were further enthused by the presence of Bollywood movie star and Waveriders’ co-owner John Abraham and cricketer Yuvraj Singh. 

As for Lancers, they failed to pose a challenge to the rampaging home team and slumped to their second straight defeat in the tournament. They suffered a 7-3 drubbing at the hands of Punjab Warriors in their opening match. 

By the half time Waveriders, runners-up in the first edition, had slammed in thrice. Rupinder’s dragflick was right on target with Gohdes swelling the tally with a solo effort from the left flank.

Lancers, coached by Terry Walsh, returned better after the half time. For a brief while, the Waveriders were put on the backfoot. The hosts, though, were quick to restore the order. 

Result: Delhi Waveriders: 5 (Rupinder Pal Singh 13th, 29th, Matt Gohdes 21st, Danish Mujtaba 48th, Lloyd Norris Jones 53rd) bt Kalinga Lancers: 0.