Jude Felix hoping for home luck

Sports Reporter

With his side languishing at the foot of the World Series Hockey table after the first two rounds, Karnataka Lions coach Jude Felix hoped playing at home would help turn things around.

Lions lost 3-2 to Delhi Wizards in its opening match before suffering a 6-1 thrashing at the hands of Sher-E-Jalandhar in the second.

The side plays at the KSHA Stadium for the first time on Monday, marking the beginning of a four-day period of three home fixtures.

“Obviously I’m disappointed with the performance,” Felix conceded on Sunday. “I’m not making excuses but things were difficult in the first two games. The Pakistani players joined us literally on the day of the first match.

“A draw would’ve been the perfect result but we made a small defensive lapse and it cost us. We had less than 24 hours of rest before the second match and had travelled all night. So it definitely took its toll. We did well in the first two quarters but slumped thereafter.”

Lions will play Bhopal Badshahs on Monday evening and Felix rated the opponent well. “It’s a skilful team. Waseem Ahmad is a very good player; we’ll have to handle him carefully.”

The host has injury worries, though, with Dhanraj Pillay — who missed the previous game — again a doubt. Arjun Antil is also not certain to feature while Amar Aiyamma, despite struggling with a knock, could play some part.

“We have to risk Amar. We don’t have a choice. But we have a young team and I hope we can come back strongly.”

Felix also wished the competition’s breathless schedule would allow more time for rest. “After playing on Astroturf, ideally you need at least 24 hours to recover,” he said.