Jackson’s late goal hands Ranchi Rhinos their first win in HHIL 2014

Ranchi, January 28: Defending champions Ranchi Rhinos rode on Ashley Jackson’s late penalty corner conversion to register their first win in the Hero Hockey India League (HHIL) 2014 by beating Delhi Waveriders with a solitary goal in a keenly-contested league match at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Ranchi today.

It took the Rhinos 63 minutes to break the deadlock through Jackson, who converted a set-piece to open the hosts’ account in the second edition of HHIL.

With two last year’s finalists in action in reigning champions Ranchi Rhinos and runners-up Delhi Waveriders, it was expected to be a close contest and it turned out to be one as both the teams matched each other  stick by stick.

Still reeling from their 2-3 defeat at the hands of Uttar Pradesh Wizards in their tournament opener, the Ranchi Rhinos however started on a positive note and put Delhi Waveriders defense under pressure early on.

The hosts created a few bright openings in the beginning but their forward line led by star striker Mandeep Singh wasted the opportunities as the Delhi outfit displayed some stout defending.

As the match progressed the Delhi Waveriders slowly and steadily got their footing in the match and managed to earn their first real chance in the 17^th  minute through a penalty corner which was brilliantly saved by Ranchi Rhinos goalkeeper Francisco Cortes to deny Rupinderpal Singh.

After some midfield slugfest, Amon Tirkey missed a golden opportunity for the Ranchi Rhinos when his reverse shot from inside the circle hit the side-board.

Few minutes later Akashdeep Singh and Talwinder Singh combined well to earn Delhi Waveriders a penalty corner but the visitors wasted the chance because of a bad push.

Ranchi Rhinos almost had thrice shots at the Delhi goal just at the stroke of halftime but all the three attempts were kept away by Delhi Waveriders goalkeeper Hamish McGreger as both the teams failed to break the ice at halftime.

The Rhinos continued to press for goals after the crossover and in the process earned another penalty corner but Jackson missed the target.

Ranchi custodian Cortes had a brilliant outing today as he produced numerous saves to keep his side in the hunt.

In the 62^nd minute Delhi Waveriders threatened the Ranchi Rhinos defense with three attempts in succession but Cortes came up with a triple save to keep a clean slate. Cortes first saved twin tries from New Zealand striker Simon Child and then kept at bay Akshdeep’s hit from just inside the circle.

A minute later Jackson finally broke the ice when he made use of a penalty corner to send the home crowd into ruptures.

The Delhi Waveriders got a golden chance to equalize in the next minute but Andres Mir Bel’s attempt from a penalty corner went wide.

The win gave Ranchi Rhinos five points while Delhi Waveriders secured one point as per the rules of the tournament.

Ranchi Rhinos will next travel to Lucknow to face Uttar Pradesh Wizards on Saturday, while Delhi Waveriders will host league debutants Kalinga Lancers on Thursday.

Cedric D’Souza, Coach of Delhi Waveriders team said, “It was a close match. Though the first half belonged to Ranchi Rhinos, we played quite well in the second half. We did take chances but made mistakes like letting the Rhinos control the ball and not able to spring along passes. However, there is not much ground lost and we will be better prepared for subsequent matches.”

Sardar Singh, Captain of Delhi Waveriders said, “There were moments when we lost grip on the game. This costed us heavily. There were lessons to learn and going forward we will train more to ensure our win.”

Happy at winning on home ground, Gregg Clark, Coach of Ranchi Rhinos said, “I am quite happy with today’s team performance. They gave a tough fight to Delhi Waveriders. Manpreet is very versatile and he swerved the ball through the field.”

Manpreet Singh, Captain of Delhi Waveriders said, “Delhi is a good team and winning against them has boost our morale. They tried very well but could not convert many chances. There need to be lot of thinking and training to ensure we win the future matches. We cannot underestimate any team.”

Score table