Waveriders power past Wizards

 Delhi Waveriders continued their impressive run in the second edition of Hero Hockey India League as they beat Uttar Pradesh Wizards 4-3 in a high-scoring match to extend their lead at the top of the points table.

The match at Major Dhyan Chand Hockey Stadium here was expected to a be a exciting affair, especially after the two teams finished 1-1 in their previous encounter in New Delhi and it turned out to be one as it rained goals throughout the entire 70 minutes, much to the delight of the spectators.

Delhi Waveriders opened the scoring in the eighth minute through a field goal by Talwinder Singh before Rupinderpal Singh (14th) converted a penalty corner six minutes later.

The second quarter unfolded on similar lines as the Delhi Waveriders scored two more goals to extend their advantage. Simon Child (19th, 20th minutes) scored two goals in a span of two minutes to rattle the home team. While the New Zealand striker’s first goal came from a field effort, the next came via a penalty corner.

Uttar Pradesh Wizards, however, did not give up hope and produced a spirited fightback, scoring thrice in the last two quarters and keep themselves afloat in the match.

Nikkin Thimmaiah (30th) scored the first goal for the hosts from a field strike before skipper V R Raghunath (38th) converted a penalty corner eight minutes later as the Uttar Pradesh Wizards went into the final quarter trailing by 2-4.

Legendary Dutchman Teun de Nooijer scored another field goal for Uttar Pradesh Wizards to bring back life into the match.

Thereafter, the hosts pressed hard for the equaliser with persistent attacks but Delhi Waveriders defence stood tall like a rock to ensure full five points from the game.