HHIL Match 19: UP Wizards clich their first home victory.
Things finally seem to be working for of UP Wizards. After losing a hard fought battle to Delhi Waveriders in their last match, UP Wizards made a good comeback, showing better preparation and winning their 7th match 3-1 against Kalinga Lancers. This is their first home win in this edition.
The Wizards looked promising on the field, clearly showing their intention to attack from the beginning. They went about entering the rival D and creating chances till they finally received their first penalty corner in the 11th minute. However, before Raghunath could flick the ball into the nets, the stopper failed to stop the ball and the chance was missed. Clearly, Kalinga Lancers bucked up and looked for a revenge which they got as a penalty corner after 3 minutes. Peillat flicked it straight to the feet of the first rusher and earned the second penalty corner for his team. But, it turned out to be a waste again as SK Uthappa ensured the ball is cleared away from the D.
Just as the hooter was a few seconds away from sounding the end of first quarter, UP got their second penalty corner and Raghunath this time ensured the ball found right side of the nets.
Second quarter was hardly impressive as both the teams did not manage to change the score line. Despite getting a penalty corner, Kalinga failed to get their equalizer.
Known to be stronger in the second half, UP Wizards played true to this fact and Nikkin deflected Ramandeep’s hit to the nets, gifting the home team second goal of the match. The Lancers got themselves a penalty corner which was again cleared by SK Uthappa, who was almost acting as a goalie.
Fo2urth quarter brought Kalinga back into the game after Peillat finally managed to score the much needed first goal for his team from the fifth penalty corner.
Teun de Noojier hammered the final nail in the last minute as he rolled the ball into the D with no one to mark him and flick the ball from the top of the D directly into the nets and gifting the third goal to his team.
Hero Goal of the Match- Teun de Noojier
Yes Garv Award- VR Raghunath
Man of the Match- Nikkin Thimmaiah