The second semi-final match tomorrow will witness
Jaypee Punjab Warriors taking on Delhi Waveriders where both the teams will
want to outwit the other and march to the Finals. While Jaypee Punjab Warriors
won both their matches against Delhi Waveriders in the league phase but the
former are aware that with Delhi ,
it will still be an uphill task to dominate and win. Delhi Waveriders on the
other hand are coming back to form and which they proved in their last match
against Uttar Pradesh Wizards where trailing by 2 goals to 0, they bounced back
by scoring three consecutive goals leaving the Wizards stunned, though the
match ended in a draw. With a form like this and a capability of bouncing back,
makes Delhi Waveriders a strong contender for the Finale. But Jaypee Punjab
Warriors too will leave no stone unturned to ensure that the tables are in
their favour.
In the entire league phase, Barry Dancer coached Jaypee
Punjab Warriors were faced with a situation where the team made a slow start,
making the team vulnerable and in the process give in the early goals. But the
positive aspect is by the second half the team effortlessly bounced back and
difficult to beat once they get going. With Sandeep Singh converting the all
important penalty corners and Jamie Dywer with his capability of tearing at the
heart of the defence, the team will be targeting to attack from the start of
the game and ensure Delhi
doesn’t have an edge over them. Also all eyes will be on the speed demon SV
Sunil who, once he gets in the run, defenders find it difficult to keep upto him
and can single handedly enter the D of the opponents.
On the other hand, Cedric D’souza with a team which is the
defending champions have finally found form and are clicking as a unit. While
initially what the team found difficult was the circle penetrations but
gradually the team has worked on their attack and are now easily penetrating
the D and getting the all important penalty corners. Also what is working in
the team’s favour is with Gurbaj at the back, is playing a great role in
ensuring that the opponents forwards do not find it easy in the D plus the fact
that he even comes forward and attack which is proving to be a big boost for
the team. Also the cool as a cucumber Simon Child along with Lloyd Norris-Jones
and Akashdeep Singh are ensuring that they outwit the defence with their stick
work and passes.
Anticipating a good semi- final clash tomorrow, Coach
of Jaypee Punjab Warriors Barry Dancer said, “It feels great to finish the
league matches by being top of the points table. We are playing the semi-
finals against Delhi Waveriders on Saturday and I am sure that it
will be a tough game tomorrow. They have a good set of players and in
order to combat the challenge, we will have to put in extra strength and double
our efforts in order to win the match. We are working on our circle
penetrations and ball possessions. The team is in full form and ready to put up
a good show in the semi- final tomorrow.”
Speaking ahead of the semi-final match against Delhi
Waveriders, Captain of Jaypee Punjab Warriors Jamie Dwyer said, “We are
excited to play the semi- finals tomorrow against Delhi Waveriders
who are equally strong. Although we have won all the matches played against
Delhi Waveriders till now, but the challenge is going to be really tough.Tomorrow’s match
is important for us as the results will have bearing on finals of the league.
Our strategy would be to work on our strengths and improve upon the
problem areas so as to convert maximum scoring opportunities into goals.
We won the last match played against Dabang Mumbai which undoubtedly boost up
our morale and confidence. So we need to keep the rhythm going and play a
wonderful game.”
Speaking on the upcoming semi- final clash Coach of Delhi Waveriders Cedric
D’ Souza said, “It will be a tough clashtomorrow as both teams have a
lot of strengths. Past performances don't mean anything at this point and it is
all about performance on the given day. We have done our homework and will do
our utmost to follow the plan and win. But it will all boil down to which team
can control play and capitalize on the opportunities created."
HIL Press release
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