Ranchi Rays gear up for their clash against Dabang Mumbai

Mumbai, January 23, 2015: Ranchi Rays and newly formed Dabang Mumbai are gearing up to face each tomorrow at the latter’s home ground in the pool stage of the Hero Hockey India League. While Ranchi Rays played its first match against Kalinga Lancers yesterday which was also the inaugural match of the League, Dabang Mumbai will play their second match against Ranchi Rays post facing Jaypee Punjab Warriors today at Mumbai.

Playing their first match yesterday, the Ashley Jackson led Ranchi Rays lost their match against the boys of Jude Felix. The key take away from the match against Kalinga Lancers was Ashley Jackson’s 2 penalty corner conversions and Barry Middleton’s beautifully penetrated field goal.

Going into their second match, Ranchi Rays will be looking at their defence coming out good and all will depend on Birendra Lakra, Amit Rohidas alongwith Goalkeeper Lovell Tyler and Sushant Tirkey to ensure that the opponents forwards are kept at bay and do not find it easy to penetrate the D of Ranchi Rays.

Speaking on tomorrow’s match against Dabang Mumbai, Ranchi Rays Coach Harendra Singh said, “I am looking forward totomorrow's match against Dabang Mumbai. These are two new franchisees who want to start on a good note. There are exciting players in both sides and whoever holds their nerves better will get fruitful result."

Commenting on tomorrow’s clash, Captain Ashley Jackson, Ranchi Rays said, “It was fun to play the opening game but unfortunately not the result we wanted. Today we have reached Mumbai where hopefully we can get our first win of HIL tomorrow night.”