Defending champions Delhi Waveriders got a huge consolation with an easy bronze in the third Hero Hockey India League.
The hosts struck very early, six minutes from the word go, and then when things got slightly difficult with rivals consolidating their position, young Yuvraj Singh tapped in a rebound from goalie to post a goal that turned out to be the bronze clincher.
In a hot day, the match did not elevate to any great height, and the loser visibly appeared a jaded side perhaps what with a long tie-break duel they had to undergo yesterday against Ranchi Rays.
It reflected on the field. Delhi on the hand had better of the proceedings, and came out with many a good moves which normally created by Gurbaj Singh. On the attack, Talwinder was conspicuous for both missing sitters and then scoring at least once.
It was Talwinder who sent the ball with a lightening strike to Sreejesh in a melee leaving Yuvraj to top in a high ball from close range (2-1). It was in the 50th min.
Earlier, in the sixth minute, Rupinder Pal Singh, following a failed attempt at team’s first penalty corner, struck (1-0), to put their famed rivals under pressure early on from which Uttar Pradesh Wizards did not come back.
However, it appeared UPW arte in for a challenge when Nikkin, amidst a crowded defence, send the ball in to the cage with beauty of a backhander through his legs, which caught Nicolas Jacobi, the inform goalie off-guard.
Man of the Match: PR Sreejesh
Hero Goal of the match: Nikkin Thimmiah.