The hosts were well set and organized from the beginning as
they gave away no gaps to the opponents. Both, Ranchi Rays and Delhi Waveriders
were awarded a penalty corner each in the first and second quarter of the game
respectively but none could convert. The first goal of the match came in the
26th minute through the stick of Lloyd Norris Jones of Delhi as a brilliant field goal, putting the
home team in the lead with the score of 1-0, before the end of the first half.
By means of outstanding defence, Delhi Waveriders had an
overall good spell in the first half as Simon Child showcased some amazing game
play with good stick-work, penetrating the circle of the opponents. For Ranchi
Rays, Justin Reidross was the hero of the initial half as he managed to save
two critical goals for his team.
Ranchi Rays opened the third quarter very well, coming at Delhi in a much better
manner and doing most of the attacking. Delhi
continued to put up an outstanding defence as Ranchi Rays failed to convert
another penalty corner awarded to them in the third quarter. The hosts also had
more ball possession throughout the third quarter as compared to the visitors.
Delhi Waveriders got a penalty corner in their name too but failed to
materialize the opportunity as Lovell Tyler saved brilliantly. At the end of
third quarter Delhi
was again leading 1- 0.
Intending to make a comeback and score in the last quarter,
Ranchi Rays started off attacking the opponent’s goal but found no gaps to
sneak in the ball. The turf witnessed a stupendous exhibition of finishing when
the young Akashdeep faultlessly put the well cornered ball into the net for a
magnificent goal in the 53rd minute, doubling the lead for Delhi
Waveriders. The ball passed through the guards of Lovell Tyler without a glitch
as it touched the mesh, announcing the second goal for the home team. The Rays
looked at creating scoring chances in the closing minutes but could not avail
any as the final scores stood at 2-0, handing a much required triumph to the
Delhi Waveriders.
Post the match Cedrid D’Souza, Head Coach Delhi Waveriders
said “We are working on our rhythm from last month and I think we have
started clicking as a unit. The reason behind the win today is the team bonding
and communication that the boys have on the field as well as off it. While the
entire team is defending and attacking together, we still ensure that we do not
give any gaps for the opponents to counter our strategy”.
Speaking post the loss Head Coach, Ranchi Rays, Harendra
Singh said “As we have reached the semi-final we gave chances to new
players like M B Aiyappa and continuously switched the position of other
players. Due to that our pace was sometimes fast and sometimes we lagged
behind. However we kept the ball possession on our side and kept the opposition
busy. It was a good match for us and a practice for all the players as the
knock-out stage will be played right here”
Hero Goal of the Match – Lloyd Norris Jones (Delhi Waveriders)
Man of the Match – Rupinder Pal Singh (Delhi Waveriders).
HIL Press release
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