The comprehensive victory gave Jaypee Punjab Warriors a
bonus point and propelled the side to the top of the standings with 11 points
from three games. Kalinga Lancers, however, returned empty-handed as they lost
the match by a margin of more than two goals.
Kalinga Lancers, jointly owned by Industrial Infrastructure
Development Corporation (IDCO) and Mahanadi Coalfield Limited (MCL) and coached
by Indian men’s team
chief coach Terry Walsh, witnessed a nightmarish debut at the franchise-based
league as the Wizards were in complete control of the game throughout the
entire 70 minutes.
The newcomers in HHIL were on the back foot from the start
as the Wizards rattled the Kalinga lancers defense with constant raids.
Kalinga Lancers looked rusty and struggled to control the rampaging
visitors in the one-sided encounter.
It did not take long for Jaypee Punjab Warriors to go ahead
through Dharamvir Singh (6th minute) who scored from a weak rebound off
Kalinga Lancers goalie Tristan Clemons.
Jaypee Punjab Warriors upped their ante in the second
quarter and pumped in four more goals in quick succession to increase their
lead.
First Lucas Rey (23rd) scored from a rebound after the
initial try was saved by Kalinga Lancers goalkeeper Clemons from Jaypee Wizards
first penalty corner. Star drag-flicker Sandeep Singh (29th minute)
then converted another penalty corner to right of an out-stretched Tristan and
then young Affan Yousuf (31st) and Australian Simon Orchard (33rd) scored
through field efforts to take a commanding 5-0 lead at halftime.
Kalinga Lancers managed to pull one back three minutes into
the third quarter when Gonzalo Peillat (38th) made use of their first
penalty corner.
But minutes later, Sandeep (40th) restored Wizards
lead scoring his second goal of the day from another set piece.
Kalinga can take heart from the fact that they were bang on
target with their penalty corner conversions as Peillat (43rd) scored from
their second set piece to register his name in the scoresheet for the second
time in the match.
Jaypee Punjab Warriors scored another from a penalty corner,
this time through captain Jamie Dwyer’s
(51st) rebound before Mandeep Antil (60th) perfectly deflected in
Amir Khan’s pass to reduce the margin
for Kalinga Lancers.
Hero Goal of the Match award was bagged by Jamie Dwyer while
Yes Bank Garv award was given to Sandeep Singh. Dharamvir Singh was declared
the Man of the Match.
Speaking on the win,
Terry Walsh, Coach of Kalinga Lancers said, “This was our first match and
it took us some time to get a grip. We were a little defensive initially and
paid the price for it. We made chances but team could not convert them in goals
in the first half. By the time we came in second half, we were quite into the
game. I am sure we will improve as we progress in the Tournament.”
Speaking to media, Prabodh Tirkey said, “We made lot of mistakes and
were very defensive in our approach. We need to assess our shortcomings and
improve upon them. This was only the first match but going forward I am sure
the crowd will see more coordinated game.”
Jagbir Singh, Team Manager, Jaypee Punjab Warriors said, “I am delighted at the hat
trick. We had good team combination today. We were able to build pressure right
from the beginning and never game time to Kalinga Lancers to settle. They have
good players too but we over powered them right from the beginning.”
Addressing the media, Affan Yousuf said, “It was a team effort and each
player pitched in to get the win. We will now concentrate on the next match
against Delhi Waveriders. The team is brilliant with players like Sardar Singh
spearheading. We are however not worried as our plans are in place.”
Jaypee Punjab Warriors would be playing the Sardar Singh-led
Delhi Waveriders in their next match at the capital’s Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium on
Friday.
Press release and photos: HIL
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