Waveriders stay afloat with a win over Ranchi

Delhi Waveriders kept themselves in contention of a semifinal berth in Hockey India League with a commanding 2-0 victory over second-placed Ranchi Rays at Major Dhyan Chand National stadium on Saturday.

The victory shot Waveriders to 22 points though they remain in the fourth place. Rays, despite the loss, got one point to top the table with 30 points. In their pursuit to make the knockout stage, Waveriders will meet Kalinga Lancers in another home match on Sunday.

It was a compact show by the under-pressure Waveriders. They narrowed the gap, defended with vigour and were patient in building their moves.  In a measured start by the two sides, Delhi impressed with their organised game. It resulted in LLyod Norris Jones (26th minute) and Akashdeep Singh (53rd) scoring for the defending champions who have been having a rough outing in this edition. The Rays’ midfield wasn’t given much space to move and their attacks were swiftly cleared by the hosts’ backline, led by Rupinderpal Singh and Devender Kumar. The first quarter produced no result but Waveriders were quick to jump into the offense in the second.

Simon Child set the tone by bursting into the Rays’ circle and with some excellent stickwork handed Waveriders their first penalty corner. Though Andrew Hayward’s dragflick was deflected by Justin Reid-Ross, Waveriders returned quickly with a well crafted move. Initiated by captain Sardar Singh just outside the circle, it was finished by Jones, who pounced on the ball off a rebound by the Rays goalkeeper Tyler Lovel and with a powerful backhand gave Waveriders 1-0 lead at the half time.

Despite a better show by Rays after the break, there was no stopping Waveriders and they earned their second penalty shortly after. However, dragflicker Rupinderpal’s barren run continued and Waveriders failed to add to their lead. Instead, they soon found themselves facing a penalty corner. But Surender did well to stop Ashley Jackson’s strike and promptly cleared it to stave off the danger. 

Minutes before the third quarter, Waveriders earned their third penalty corner but it was well saved by goalkeeper Lovel. The hosts kept their nose ahead in the last quarter.  An unmarked Akashdeep  gave them the cushion of two goals when his powerful reverse strike from the top of the circle found the back of the net.

Delhi host Lancers
Riding high on their win against Dabang Mumbai, Kalinga Lancers are all set to clash with hosts Delhi Waveriders in the Hockey India League on Sunday.
DH News Service