HHIL 2014 Semifinal 1: Delhi wins the lacklustre contest

Un unfitting, boring semifinal saw Delhi Waveriders sailing into the final of the Hero Hockey India League with a lone goal struck by Yuvraj Walmiki in the first quarter itself, surviving till the end.

The much awaited semifinal, coming after three weeks of intense hockey, turned out to be a damphner as cautious approach of both teams doing no good to themselves or to the crowd.

Uttar Pradesh, which lost the semis last year too, got three penalty corners, two more than the ultimate winners, but their drills lacked elementary finesse.

Twice Raghunath flicked wide, the lone indirect of him had no takers due to poor communication

Gurbaj shone throughout the game, present on all flanks and at times to nip the rival’s ball on the top of D, or near goalmouth

With Sardar Singh mostly briefed to guard the defence, and Rupinder Pal showcasing tremendous skills in interception, most of UP’s attacks died at the outside edge of D, some of them which went inside did not produce any goals as Nikkin, Inglis, Alegre, all hurried their shots or delayed, even Jocobi need not have to produce his best to stop them.

Yuvraj Walmiki won both YES Garv award and Hero Goal of the match, while man of the match award went to Rupinder Pal Singh.