New Delhi: Delhi Waveriders defeated Ranchi Rays by 2-0 to win the match and are now very strong contenders to make it to the playoffs of the Hero Hockey India League 2015. It was a crucial game and a test of resilience for the home team who played a calm and poised game of hockey to void the MS Dhoni owned Ranchi Rays and emerge as the victors amidst the domicile crowd.
The hosts were well set and organized from the beginning as they gave away no gaps to the opponents. Both, Ranchi Rays and Delhi Waveriders were awarded a penalty corner each in the first and second quarter of the game respectively but none could convert.
The first goal of the match came in the 26th minute through the stick of Lloyd Norris Jones of Delhi as a brilliant field goal, putting the home team in the lead with the score of 1-0, before the end of the first half.
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By means of outstanding defence, Delhi Waveriders had an overall good spell in the first half as Simon Child showcased some amazing game play with good stick-work, penetrating the circle of the opponents. For Ranchi Rays, Justin Reidross was the hero of the initial half as he managed to save two critical goals for his team.
Ranchi Rays opened the third quarter very well, coming at Delhi in a much better manner and doing most of the attacking. Delhi continued to put up an outstanding defence as Ranchi Rays failed to convert another penalty corner awarded to them in the third quarter. The hosts also had more ball possession throughout the third quarter as compared to the visitors.
Delhi Waveriders got a penalty corner in their name too but failed to materialize the opportunity as Lovell Tyler saved brilliantly. At the end of third quarter Delhi was again leading 1- 0.
Post the match Cedrid D’Souza, Head Coach Delhi Waveriders said “We are working on our rhythm from last month and I think we have started clicking as a unit. The reason behind the win today is the team bonding and communication that the boys have on the field as well as off it. While the entire team is defending and attacking together, we still ensure that we do not give any gaps for the opponents to counter our strategy”.
Hero Goal of the Match – Lloyd Norris Jones (Delhi Waveriders)
Man of the Match – Rupinder Pal Singh (Delhi Waveriders)
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