The Hindu: Kalinga Stadium has been Lancers’ fort

By Y.B.Sarangi

Kalinga Lancers will be keen to end its home run on a high with a win over Dabang Mumbai in the Hockey India League on Sunday.

Lancers has a terrific record at the Kalinga Stadium here, where it has won three out of four matches this season. Lancers, which has won four out of six games, leads the table with 20 points.

Lancers has top-class performers in its ranks like crowd favourite Glenn Turner, German star Moritz Fuerste and Dutchman Billy Bakker who sparkle individually as well as collectively.

The victories over Mumbai in an away match and a strong Jaypee Punjab Warriors have kept Lancers in good stead.

Energy and encouragement

The fans, too, provide a lot of energy and encouragement to the squad.

“The crowd is supporting us in a big way, so we will give our best and try to not let them down,” said Lancers’ Pardeep Mor.

Mumbai, which suffered a dip in momentum after losses to Lancers and Ranchi Rays, is aware of Lancers’ home advantage.

“The crowd is enjoyable. We had a good lead-up match in Ranchi to prepare for playing before the crowd here. If we play to our plan and follow our process, we have a chance,” said Mumbai coach Jason Stacy.

Must improve game

Stacy said Mumbai, which has three wins from six outings, must improve its overall game against Lancers.

“They are a well-balanced team. We have some strategies in place to try and maximise our chances, and create some flow and attacking manoeuvres.”

With players like Florian Fuchs, Jeremy Hayward and Keiran Govers in the side, Mumbai has a group of professionals who can take the team to the top.

A fit Robert Kermpermann, who got hit on the head while defending a penalty corner in Ranchi, will be good news for Stacy.

A victory over Lancers may put Mumbai back on track.