HIL: Wizards held by Waveriders at home

LUCKNOW: Uttar Pradesh Wizards made a lacklustre start as they were held to a 2-2 draw by defending champions Delhi Waveriders in the Hockey India League match here on Friday.
The match never rose above mediocrity as both teams played in their opening league match. Still, the draw should give some solace to Wizards' coach Roelant Oltmans whose team has had a poor home record in the earlier two editions so far.
The hosts should thank Ramandeep Singh for the result against their strong rivals. He was instrumental in both the goals scored by the side. First, he was brought down inside the striking circle in the 17th minute when he had only the rival goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh to beat. The resultant penalty stroke was duly converted by Jeroen Hertzberger.
Then, after the Waveriders struck back with two goals, Ramandeep got the equaliser with just four minutes left in the contest. Nithin Thimmaiah weaved his way into the circle from the left but his reverse hit was blocked by Gurpreet; Ramandeep slotted home the rebound much to the joy of the fans who had come in huge numbers to cheer the home team. Ramandeep was later named the man-of-the-match.