<p>Defending champions Ranchi Rhinos eked out a close 2-1 win over Uttar Pradesh Wizards to consolidate their position in the points table of the Hero Hockey India League (HHIL) at the Dhyan Chand Stadium on Saturday.<br /><br /></p>.<p>The Rhinos were, by far, the better side on display as they dominated the proceedings from start to finish and enjoyed the better share of ball possession.<br /><br />The Rhinos outplayed the Wizards in terms of circle penetration as well as they made inroads into the hosts’ citadel 21 times as compared to their opponents’ nine attempts.<br /><br />To sum up, it was a close contest between the two finest teams of the tournament, but it was the Rhinos who utilised the chances that came their way.<br /><br />The Rhinos took the lead through star English drag-flicker Ashley Jackson, who converted a penalty corner in the 18th minute.<br /><br />The Wizards had their chances in the match but the forward line, led by Ramandeep Singh, failed to cash in on the opportunities.<br /><br />Another Englishman Barry Middleton (26th minute) doubled the Rhinos’ lead with a field goal in the second quarter as the visitors’ went into the halfway break with a comfortable 2-0 advantage.<br /><br />At the change of ends, the Wizards adopted an aggressive approach and created a few bright openings but the Rhinos defense led by captain Moritz Furste stood like a rock to thwart any danger to their citadel.</p>
<p>Defending champions Ranchi Rhinos eked out a close 2-1 win over Uttar Pradesh Wizards to consolidate their position in the points table of the Hero Hockey India League (HHIL) at the Dhyan Chand Stadium on Saturday.<br /><br /></p>.<p>The Rhinos were, by far, the better side on display as they dominated the proceedings from start to finish and enjoyed the better share of ball possession.<br /><br />The Rhinos outplayed the Wizards in terms of circle penetration as well as they made inroads into the hosts’ citadel 21 times as compared to their opponents’ nine attempts.<br /><br />To sum up, it was a close contest between the two finest teams of the tournament, but it was the Rhinos who utilised the chances that came their way.<br /><br />The Rhinos took the lead through star English drag-flicker Ashley Jackson, who converted a penalty corner in the 18th minute.<br /><br />The Wizards had their chances in the match but the forward line, led by Ramandeep Singh, failed to cash in on the opportunities.<br /><br />Another Englishman Barry Middleton (26th minute) doubled the Rhinos’ lead with a field goal in the second quarter as the visitors’ went into the halfway break with a comfortable 2-0 advantage.<br /><br />At the change of ends, the Wizards adopted an aggressive approach and created a few bright openings but the Rhinos defense led by captain Moritz Furste stood like a rock to thwart any danger to their citadel.</p>