Ranchi outplay Delhi but miss semifinal berth
NEWDELHI: Bottom-placed Ranchi Rays had nothing to lose in their last preliminary league encounter against Delhi Waveriders. But there was a slight possibility of them making the last-four stage of the Hockey India League (HIL), if they won Tuesday’s encounter by a margin of eight points or more.
Ranchi Rays, however, fell short of the target as they could only score a 3-1 (6-2 on points) victory. Two points are awarded for each field goal and one for a penalty-corner conversion. Despite winning, Ranchi Rays faced the exit door. Delhi Waveriders, placed third on the points table with 23 points, are through to the semifinals.
Perhaps, with the motive of making it to the top four, Ranchi Rays went for the attack from the word go. Excellent teamwork helped them earn three goalscoring opportunities in the first quarter, but they were successful in scoring only in the ninth minute through midfielder Manpreet Singh.
Ranchi Rays continued to raid Delhi Waveriders territory in the second quarter, but narrowly missed the target. They were awarded as many as three penalty corners, but failed in all three attempts.
Ranchi Rays’ strategy to unsettled Delhi Waveriders seemed to be working throughout the contest. It kept the Waveriders defenders on their toes, with defender Rupinder Pal Singh having to work overtime to keep the rival forwards at bay. Ranchi Rays’ second goal came in the third quarter with Manpreet Singh scoring a field goal in the 32nd minute, while Imran Khan took the tally to three in the 37th minute.
The match reached its climax in the last quarter with Delhi Waveriders going all out to save the day. One more successful attempt by Ranchi Rays could have spoiled their semifinal party. With renewed energy, the hosts went for the attack. And in the 45th minute, Justin Reid Ross scored a field goal to give respite to his team.
On Wednesday, the last league match, between UP Wizards and table topper Dabang Mumbai, will be played in Lucknow. Both teams have already made it to the semifinals. Kalinga Lancers is the fourth team in the semis.