Erratic Waveriders cut a sorry figure
SLOPPY DISPLAY Hosts dominate the first three quarters but loosen grip in the last phase to allow Kalinga Lancers win 2-1
NEW DELHI: Kalinga Lancers dented the Delhi Waveriders’ pride by beating them 2-1 in their last preliminary round encounter of the Hockey India League on Sunday.
Though the Waveriders have made it to the last-four stage, the contest at the National Stadium would force coach Cedric D’Souza to go back to the drawing board to examine what went wrong. His team dominated the first three quarters but loosened their grip in the last phase.
That proved to be the turning point as the Lancers, out of the race for the semifinals, surged ahead and exposed the porous defence.
The Waveriders were guilty of taking their rivals lightly, and played at a slow pace in the opening 20 minutes. The forward line of Yuvraj Walmiki and Akashdeep were poor finishers. It was a different matter that Andrew Hayward’s penalty corner conversion in the 29th minute helped the hosts take the lead.
Wrong anticipation by goalkeeper Nicolas Jacobi added to the team’s agony and allowed the Lancers to make a comeback. Aron Zalewski took advantage and flicked the ball in.
Jacobi was again at fault in the fourth quarter, and this time Russel Ford didn’t miss the opportunity to make it 2-1.
Apart from the Lancers, Dabang Mumbai, who are languishing at the bottom of the table, are out of the competition.
The Waveriders play their last league match at home next week, while Uttar Pradesh Wizards, Ranchi Rays and Punjab Warriors are already in the semifinals.
RESULT: Delhi Waveriders 1 (Andy Hayward 29th) lost to Kalinga Lancers 2 (Aran Zalewski 40th, Russell Ford 49th)