Waveriders subdue Ranchi Rays, keep semis hopes alive
NEW DELHI: Norris Lloyd and Akashdeep Singh scored in the second and fourth quarters respectively to help the Delhi Waveriders virtually cement their place in the semifinals of the Hockey India League on Saturday.
In a do-or-die contest against Ranchi Rays at the National Stadium, the hosts ensured the visitors didn’t steal the show despite some anxious moments.
The Waveriders made a slow start and even squandered two penalty corners in the third quarter, but managed to lift themselves to collect five points. Ranchi had nothing to lose as they have already cemented their place in the semis.
After a drab opening quarter, Lloyd opened the scoring in the 26th minute. In the third quarter, Ranchi had the upper hand but were undone by poor finishing.
With a slender lead at the beginning of fourth quarter, the Waveriders raised the bar even as Ranchi pressed hard to make a comeback. On a counterattack, the hosts scored in the 53rd minute as Akashdeep’s reverse flick beat goalkeeper Lovell Tyler.
Delhi cannot rest on this performance, and need to sustain their efforts in Sunday’s league match to ensure a place in the last-four stage.
Result: Delhi Waveriders 2 (Norris Lloyd 26th, Akashdeep Singh 53rd) bt Ranchi Rays 0
MUMBAI FACE WIZARDS Riding high on their win against Dabang Mumbai, Kalinga Lancers clash with hosts Delhi Waveriders in the Hockey India League here on Sunday.
In the previous clash between the two teams, defending Champions Delhi Waveriders had made a brilliant comeback to hold Lancers to a draw.