HHIL Match 5: Punjab Everywhere Kalinga Nowhere

New franchise Kalinga Lancers was not given breathing space by the visiting Jaipee Punjab Warriors on Match 5 of the Hero Hockey India League, that was played at the picturesque newly built Kalinga International hockey stadium in Bhubneswar.

Even before the cheers of the huge crowd tied down, Dharamvir Singh, who was ultimately declared Man of the Match, struck early blow to start what became a blitzkrieg later.

Thereafter, within next 30 minutes Jamie Dwyer’s team came out with four more goals to go for lemon time in a relaxed mood of 5-0.

Kalinga was rusty, and lacked co-ordination in its methods of attack or defence, which helped Punjab’s cause very much.

Gagandeep and Ramon Algre were prominent for Kalinga, while Punjab showed good game throught.

Chief coach Terry Walsh changed goalie Tristan after 15 minutes, gave Harjot Singh another 15 minutes, but they were let down by poor defence to back them.

Change of side saw some thrilling moments for Kalinga when Gonzalo Peillat struck two successive goals off two successive penalty corners, and the hopes of great revival expected by the die-hard fans of the home side.

However, Punjab did not panic, slowed down the pace, and got the situation retrieved to register a thumping 7-3 win.

This is Punjab’s third match in four days, and second win after losing the opener to Delhi on 25th.

Expectedly all the three awards given after the match went to the victorious side.

Jamie Dwyer was declared ‘Scorer of the best goal’.

Sandeep Singh got Yes Garv award while Dharamvir walked away with Man of the Match award, which probably should have gone to Peillat.