Match 21::Dabur Mumbai Magicians Fail to Produce their Magic against Jaypee Punjab Warriors

Mumbai, 31^st January 2013: Dabur Mumbai Magicians failed to reproduce the magic that saw them score their first win of the Hero Hockey India League on Wednesday, as they went down 1-3 to Jaypee Punjab Warriors at the MHA stadium today.

Goals from Dharamvir Singh, Robert Hammond and Malak Singh got the job done for the visitors. Liam De Yong scored Magicians only goal on an evening when tournament’s top scorer Sandeep Singh failed to convert any of the three penalty corners that he took. Warriors thus won all the three games that played against the Magicians in the tournament.

Warriors were quick of the blocks and made some good aggressive moves early on. And they were rewarded for it in the eighth minute. Magicians’ goalkeeper Sreejesh came off his line to clear a potentially dangerous ball, but his poor clearance went straight to an unmarked Dharamvir Singh, who smashed the ball inside the goalpost to put the visitors ahead.

Magicians tried to raise the tempo, and Sandeep Singh provided some quality balls to the forwards on a couple of occasions, but the move did not materialise. Malak Singh had a chance to increase the visitors’ lead in the 22^nd minute, but his slap shot was blocked well by a defender, who diverted the ball to the right of the goalpost.

Another defensive lapse cost Magicians a second goal in the second quarter. Robert Hammond got a ball from left flank as three-four Magicians’ defenders just looked on, right in front of the goalpost. All Hammond had to do was tap the ball inside the goal, which he did, and put the visitors 2-0 ahead in the 23^rd minute.

Magicians wasted another good opportunity in the 42^nd minute, when they took as many as four shots on the goal. Warriors’ goalkeeper Stockmann saved two; one was stopped by a defender’s stick, while Satbir Singh hit the last one wide.

Magicians managed to open their account six minutes later. A good move from left flank earned them a penalty corner, with Sandeep Singh on the bench. Johnny Jasrotia took the drag flick, which was smartly deflected in by Liam De Yong.

Malak Singh stunned the Magicians with a brilliant counter attacking goal four minutes later, when the Magicians goalie came charging in, and the Warriors’ talented player hit the ball in from a tough angle.

Magicians went all out on attack in the final quarter, but Sandeep Singh was unable to convert any of the two drag flicks in the space of five minutes. The first one was saved beautifully by a diving Stockmann, while Lucas Rey deflected the second one out for a corner. The third penalty corner of the final quarter, in the 64^th minute, was even more disappointing as rusher Gurmail Singh blocked Sandeep’s attempted drag flick.

Coach Barry Dancer, Jaypee Punjab Warriors, said, “We’ve given ourselves a good chance by working on our skills, our defensive technique is good & we have good control of the ball. The team also has a strong sense of togetherness and have worked very hard. Their spirit towards the sport & team is great. Our goalie suffered minor injuries and that’s why we constantly replaced him. He should be fine by the next match”.

Coach Ric Charlesworth, Dabur Mumbai Magicians said, “The upcoming matches against UP are crucial, we did well enough today but had a slow start today as opposed to yesterday. We’ll work even harder now”.

In their next home match Dabur Mumbai Magicians take on Uttar Pradesh Wizards on 5^th February, at MHA Stadium at 8 p.m. and Jaypee Punjab Warriors will play Ranchi Rhinos at the Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium on 4^th February at 8 p.m.

The Hero Hockey India League is organised by Hockey India with official sanction from the International Hockey Federation (FIH). The inaugural season is being played from January 14 to February 10, 2013 in a home-and-away format. The five franchisee-based teams, consisting of the top hockey players from India and around the world, will compete for the prestigious trophy. Hero Motocorp Ltd. is the Title Sponsor of the league while Airtel is the Associate Sponsor. Star Sports, who is the Broadcast Partner, will be telecasting all matches live.

Tomorrow 1^st February, Ranchi Rhinos will play against Delhi Waveriders at the Astroturf Hockey Stadium, Ranchi at 8 p.m.

Hero Goal of the Day: Malak Singh

Man-of-the-Match: Dharamvir Singh

Final Result: Jaypee Punjab Warriors – 3 (Dharamvir Singh – 8’, Robert Hammond- 23’, Malak Singh – 52’) beat Dabur Mumbai Magicians – 1 (De Young Liam – 48’)