Gurjinder nets brace in win over Mumbai

HOCKEY LEAGUE With Kalinga Lancers struggling with 16 points from nine games, their chances of a semifinal spot are all but lost

BHUBANESWAR: Gurjinder Singh struck twice through penalty corner to give Kalinga Lancers a 2-1 win over Dabang Mumbai in the battle of bottom-placed teams in the Hockey India League here on Friday.

Gurjinder scored in the 11th and 20th minute, helping Lancers to their second win in nine games. He also scored the 100th goal of the 2015 edition.

Mumbai’s Harmanpreet Singh converted a penalty corner in the 36th minute for a consolation goal.

Lancers are struggling with 16 points from nine games while Mumbai have 13 from eight games with only one win to show.

Mumbai travel to Lucknow for Sunday’s game against Uttar Pradesh Wizards. RANCHI EYE TOP SPOT NEW DELHI: Having secured a berth in the semifinals of the Hero Hockey India League, Ranchi Rays will look to continue their winning run when they take on Delhi Waveriders here on Saturday.

Placed second in the table, Ranchi Rays will aim for a win on Saturday with an intention to ascend to the top of the chart, while Delhi Waveriders, fourth in the list, would be looking to strengthen their position in the league with nothing less than a win. Last time Ranchi and Delhi met, the match was drawn 2-2. The Ranchi outfit has dished out some brilliant and consistent performance in the previous games and it intends to carry on with similar energy and zeal.