UP end Punjab’s undefeated run

Table-toppers Punjab Warriors today suffered their first defeat in this edition of the Hockey India League after going down 2-1 against Uttar Pradesh Wizards.
VR Raghunath and Ramandeep Singh scored for the home team whereas captain Jamie Dwyer scored the lone goal for the Warriors.

Seven minutes into the game, Wizards drew first blood when they counter-attacked and earned a penalty corner. Raghunath’s fiery drag-fick was too much for goalkeeper Jaap Stockmann. With the early lead, the home team attacked more aggressively and maintained the pressure on the Warriors.

Their aggression paid again when they scored their second goal in the ninth minute. During their counter charge, forward Ramandeep received the ball in the opponents D and before the defenders and Stockmann could react, the ball was in the back of the net.

With the win, the Wizards are second in the table with 19 points while Warriors still lead with 23 points.
Warriors coach Barry Dancer admitted they lost to a better side on the day. “Wizards were a better side today and full credit goes to them especially after losing yesterday’s match and coming back strong today,” he said. — PTI