Lancers fight back to score over Waveriders

Down by a goal, Kalinga Lancers fought back to inflict a 2-1 defeat over hosts Delhi Waberiders in the Hockey India League at the Major Dhyan Chand  National Stadium on Sunday.

The loss, though, won’t have a bearing as Waveriders had already earned a place in the semifinals following the loss of Dabang Mumbai to Uttar Pradesh Wizard earlier in the day. On the other hand, Lancers, already out of contention, returned home with the satisfaction of ending their campaign on a high.

Man of the match Aran Zalewski (40th) and Russell Ford (49) scored for the Lancers after Andrew Hayward (29th) had given Waveriders the lead at half time. There was little to choose between the two sides as they gave a thrilling display of attacking hockey. Several chances went wasted before Haywards’s  draglick sounded the board at the stroke of the halftime.

Bolstered, Waverideres continued with the same zeal in the second half with Simon Child narrowly missing what could have been the second goal for them. But Lancers swiftly came back with two back-to- back penalty corners. Though none could be converted, Lancers didn’t have to wait for long. Zalewski , in a spectacular individual effort, beat interceptions from Rupinder Pal Singh, Hayward as well as  Jacobi, who had rushed forward to stop him, to put his team at par with Waveriders. It had instant effect. In the fourth quarter, it was Lancer who dominated the ball positions and circle penetrations.  Waveriders’ defence,  that had been holding well thus far, panicked and Ford doubled the lead for his side with a reverse strike through a scattered Waveriders backline.

Desperate attempts from the Waveriders followed and a penalty corner presented itself in the dying minutes. It couldn’t be converted and the defending champions ended with another loss despite taking the lead.  

In the other match of the day, playing their last game on their home turf, Uttar Pradesh Wizards defeated Dabang Mumbai 3-2 at the Major Dhyan Chand Stadium. With five more points to their kitty, the Wizards have further strengthened their standing at the top of the league table.