No stopping Waveriders
The Delhi Waveriders showed why they are considered potential finalists, as they defeated Mumbai Magicians 4- 3 in their Hockey India League match here on Saturday evening. And even though the scoreline suggests a close encounter, Delhi held the upper hand for most duration of the match, with the visitors putting up a valiant fight in the final quarter.
With the win, the hosts took their points tally to 27 from six matches and are followed by the Ranchi Rhinos ( 22 points).
Two quick goals — Imran Khan and Lloyd Norris Jones scored in the 6th and 12th minute, respectively – knocked the wind out of Mumbai Magicians, who played catch up early on. Delhi dominated the opening quarter, before the Magicians regrouped to give them a match in the ensuing quarter.
Mumbai, who have lost all of their six matches so far, suffered on lack of a good defence line, which has let them down so far. And when Norris Jones pumped in his second goal of the match in the 22nd minute, Mumbai were truly pushed to the wall lagging 3- 0.
With Delhi cutting all routes for field goals, Mumbai decided to make the most of their strength – penalty corner conversions. The team earned as many as three short corners in the opening two quarters of which Sandeep Singh converted one.
Similar story continued in the remaining two quarters, with Sandeep coming good once each in both the quarters but lack of field goals meant the Magicians struggled to match up the hosts.
Drag- flicker Rupinderpal Singh added to Delhi’s tally, before Mumbai staged a fight in the final quarter and even threatened to walk away with a draw at one stage.
In Lucknow, Ranchi Rhinos downed Uttar Pradesh Wizards 3- 1 to record their fourth win of the tournament.
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