Warriors score big win over Lancers

Simon Orchard and Satbir Singh scored a field goal each as Jaypee Punjab Warriors registrered a 4-1 victory over Kalinga Lancers to propel to the second position in the fourth edition of the Hockey India League here on Sunday.

After the Lancers took the lead through a penalty corner conversion by Glenn Turner in the 42nd minute, the visitors emerged victorious through strikes from Orchard (48th) and Satbir Singh (58th)

By virtue of this win, the Warriors have moved to the second spot in the standings with 22 points from seven games. The Lancers too have similar points from as many matches but they are atop the table because of superior goal difference.

The first quarter of the match started with attacking intent from the Lancers but the Punjab unit showed good defensive skills to keep the hosts at bay as both the teams looked dangerous on counter attacks.

The second quarter started with the home team getting defensive as the visitors raised their pace in the game. The Warriors started pressing hard but the possession was still majorly controlled by the Lancers who were looking very strong in the midfield.

The Punjab outfit came close on many occasions including four failed back-to-back penalty corners, which were beautifully saved by Andrew Charter leading to a goalless first half.

The third quarter saw both the teams pushing hard for a goal. The Lancers finally managed to break the deadlock in the 42nd minute when the star player Turner made no mistakes in converting a penalty corner, giving the home team a much needed 1-0 lead.

The final quarter started with the Lancers trying hard to capitalise on their lead in the early moments but an excellent interception by Sardar Singh foiled the home team’s ambitions and the visitors scored a field goal through Orchard in the 48th minute handing the visitors a 2-1 lead.

The Lancers pressed really hard after this but the Punjab defence was way too strong for them to break. In the process the Warriors scored their second field goal in the 58th minute through Satbir to propel their lead.