Jason Wilson’s brace of goals after the opener given by athletic forward Talwinder Singh helped Delhi Waveriders to keep up their reputation of not losing to Punjab Warriors, as they defeat them 3-1 in the opening match of the Second Hero Hockey India League.
Its overall fifth match between the two including the semifinal of last year, and the Delhi side won all occasion, today was no different.
After a barren first quarter, when goals seemed to come more for hardworking Jaipee Punjab Warriors, Talwinder broke through from the left midfield, and with a just an exchange with Akashdeep Singh, turned full to gently put the ball from close range.
This Talwinder’s 29th minutes set the tune and tenor of the game subsequently.
Punjab team at least had two choice to go up in the first quarter, but on both occasions seasoned striker Jamie Dwyer who hit wide from close range.
Affan Yousaff thereafter equalized with a deft forehand shot goal, after being set up by Sunil, and that was the last goal the losing side could make.
However, it is fair to say Punjab created more chances but lacked the finish, even wasting as many as four penalty corners all taken by Sandeep Singh, who switched from Mumbai Magicians to Punjab side.
Then Akash played a stellar role in getting next two goals which came through the stick of New Zealand star Jason Wilson.
Bharat Chetri was substituted for Jaap Stockmann when Punjab was down by 1-2, but Jason Wilson again struck in the late moments, off getting a minus from Akashdeep again. Chetri actually guessed the flight of the Jason shot from top edge of circle, but its speed was too high and got deflected from him stick on the right.
For his outstanding goalkeeping New Zealand goalie, who stood in for yet to come Nicolas Jacobi, was declared Man of the Match.