HIL 2015: Warriors spell trouble for Wizards

Jaypee Punjab Warriors continued its fine form defeating Uttar Pradesh Wizards 3-2 in a Hero Hockey India League match here on Monday.

Warriors scored a goal each in the first three quarters through Varun Kumar (12th minute), S.V. Sunil (28th) and Sandeep Singh (42nd), while V.R. Raghunath (7th, 53rd) converted two penalty-corners for the visitors.

By virtue of this win, Warriors have consolidated their position at the top of the standings with 12 points from three games, while Wizards have three points from two matches.

Wizards dominated the opening quarter and took an early lead when Raghunath converted a penalty-corner. Warriors replied five minutes later through Varun’s penalty-corner conversion to end the first quarter level.

Sunil scored a fine diving reverse-flick past Wizards goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh to give his side the edge at the halfway mark.

Making amends

Sandeep Singh made amends for missing two penalty-corners by converting Warriors’ fifth penalty-corner for the scoreline to read 3-1 in favour of the home team.

Raghunath livened up the match when he scored his second goal of the day from a set-piece in the 53rd minute.

In the remaining minutes of the match, Wizards pressed hard in search of the equaliser and in the process earned another penalty-corner, but this time Raghunath was denied by a brilliant Jaap Stockmann in front of the Warriors goal.

Both the goalkeepers, Stockmann and Wizards’ Sreejesh produced brilliant displays of goalkeeping and produced numerous valiant saves to keep their teams in the match.

Wizards will next face Kalinga Lancers on Thursday in Lucknow, while Warriors take on defending champion Delhi Waveriders in New Delhi on Friday.

The result: Punjab Warriors 3 (Varun Kumar 12, S.V. Sunil 28, Sandeep Singh 42) bt UP Wizards (V.R. Raghunath 7, 53).