Delhi Waveriders blank Kalinga Lancers 5-0 in HHIL 2014

New Delhi, Jan 30, 2014: Hosts Delhi Waveriders thrashed debutants Kalinga Lancers 5-0 to register their second win in the second edition of the Hero Hockey India League League (HHIL) at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi today.

Rupinderpal Singh (13th, 29th minutes) converted two pnealty corners for the hosts, while the other goals came from the sticks of Matt Gohdes (21st), Danish Mujtaba (48th) and Lloyd Norris Jones (53rd).

The Waveriders controlled the match from start to finish and created numerous scoring chances.

The Lancers yet again were slow to get off the blocks and struggled to get their footing in the match. The Waveriders were the dominant side on display as they controlled the proceedings throughout the entire 70 minutes.

The Waveriders started on an attacking note against the less fancied Kalinga Lancers and surged ahead in the 13th minute when Rupinderpal scored from a penalty corner to the right of the visitor's goalie Harjot Singh. Eight minutes later, the Waveriders doubled their lead througth Ghodes (21st), who beat two Kalinga defenders to flick the ball inside the net.

  Minutes later, the visitors earned two penalty corners in succession but wasted both.

The Waveriders seized on the opportunities that came their way and extended their lead soon when Rupinder (29th) converted another penalty corner to go into the midway break with a comfortable 3-0 lead.
The Wizards continued to dominate the contest after the change ef ends and scored two more field goals in a span of six minutes through Mujtaba and Jones to pocket the contest in their favour.

The Waveriders will next play Jaypee Punjab Warriors at the same venue tomorrow, while Kalinga Lancers will be up against Dabur Mumbai Magicians in their home ground at Bhubaneswar on Sunday.

Hero Goal of the match winner Llyod Norris Jones, Delhi Waveriders

YES Bank Garv Award winner – Rupinder Pal Singh, Delhi Waveriders

Man of the Match – Gurbaj Singh, Delhi Waveriders

Speaking on the performance by the team Cedric D’Souza said “every match has to be taken on its full strength. All teams are tough in their own way and they have their own skills in place”.

Speaking on the teams performance, Kalinga Lacers Coach, Terry Walsh said “the scorelines were disappointing today but there was lot of learning’s today. There were critical moments where we did not perform well and lacked in execution which costed us the game today. We are trying various tactics and strategies and hoping to make a comeback in the next game against Dabur Mumbai Magicians. We will get better as we grow.

By virtue of this win, the Delhi outfit has leapfrogged to the top of the standings with 11 points from three matches, while Kalinga Lancers are yet to open their account in the tournament.

Press release and photos: HIL