Giving no leeway to their rivals, Jaypee Punjab Warriors asserted from the beginning to dictate the proceedings, took control of the final match of the world’s costliest league, Hockey India League, and won the crown in style, beating their rivals Kalinga Lancers comprehensively (6-1).
Led by Sardar Singh, Punjab showed good structure, energy and good strategy throughout the match to outplay ever-improving Kalinga Lancers.
The Australian commanding the Punjab, Barry Dancer, got the reward for his vision of continuity. He is in the saddle of Punjab since last four years, and made minimum changes when the time for auction came six months ago.
The settled outfit, showed extreme fitness level, kept the Kalinga stalwarts MOritz Fuerste and Glenn Turner under control.
This paid rich dividends.
Matt Gohdes, the former Delhi hero, turned in a champagne stuff along with fleet footed SV Sunil. Satbir Singh, Arman Qureshi, Simon Orchard added strength upfront.
Its Arman Qureshi who set the Ranchi turf on fire, firing a strong forehand into the hitherto well-guarded Andrew Charter’s citadel (2-0).
Satbir Singh and Matt Ghodes expanded the margin while Moritz Furste struck the lone consolation goal of the losing side
After Arman Qureshi opened the floodgates, then no let up in the Punjab’s thrusts upwards, where Matt Gohdes and SV Sunil combined beautifully to trouble the Kalinga circle.
Its first time in three participations, Kalinga entered the final and won the silver, while Punjab twice lost out the final match before winning it twice.
Earlier, Ranchi Rays ran out of steam before the Delhi Waveriders in the bronze medal encounter. Young Mandeep Singh, for once, showed acumen inside the circle to post the only goal of the match obtained in the second quarter. It remained unchallenged till the hooter. He was rightly declared Man of the Match.
Rupinder Pal Singh, who struck crucial goals for Delhi Waveriders, was declared Best Player of the tournament’and was presented both a trophy and Rs.50 lack prize money cheque.
Awards
Best goal of the match: Arman Qureshi
Emerging player: Arman Qureshi
Most entertaining player: Pardeep Mor
Man of the match: Mark Knowles