Times of India: Jackson stars in Ranchi Rays come-from-behind win over UP

LUCKNOW: Skipper Ashley Jackson scored a brace as defending champions Ranchi Rays’ produced a brilliant fightback to register a come-from-behind 4-2 win over Uttar Pradesh Wizards and notch up their first win in the fourth Hockey India League (HIL) on Friday.

Contrary to the final result, it was the UP Wizards who drew the first blood in the fourth minute when Ramandeep Singh found himself at the right position at the right time to deflect home and give his side a 2-0 lead as per the new scoring system, where one field goal is counted as two.

But Ranchi Rays dished out a spirited show and struck thrice in the final 15 minutes of the match to stun the home team.

After Sarvanjit Singh pulled one back for the Ranchi Rays from a penalty corner in the 45th minute, Jackson scored a stunning field goal three minutes later from a Barry Middleton assist to turn the tables around and give Rays a 3-2 lead.

Jackson then converted a penalty corner in the final minute of the match to extend their lead and hand the visitors their first success in the six-team franchise-based tournament.

By virtue of this win, Ranchi Rays have moved up the table with six points from two games. The UP Wizards, too, have same points from as many games.

UP Wizards will play Delhi Waveriders on Saturday, while Ranchi Rays also will host the Waveriders in their next outing in Ranchi on January 26.