Kalinga Lancers News

–          We are looking forward to registering our first win, says UP Wizards Coach Reolant Oltmans

Lucknow, 28 January 2015: After two matches without a win in the ongoing Hero Hockey India League, the host team Uttar Pradesh Wizards will step on the field against Kalinga Lancers tomorrow with an aim to register their first win in the League and will try hard to continue their undefeatable record in their home matches. On the other side, Kalinga Lancers are gearing up to bring back their aggressive game, which they had showcased in the inaugural match against Ranchi Rays.

Post their draw against Delhi Waveriders and an unfortunate defeat against Jaypee Punjab Warriors, VR Raghunath-led UP Wizards have to run the extra mile in tomorrow’s match to not only win their first match, but also have to move up in the points-table. Currently, placed at the bottom of the table with only 3 points, UP Wizards need to clinch 5 match points to gain a better position in the League. With the star-studded line-up, including world-class goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, Australian midfielder Eddie Ockenden, Spanish midfielder David Alegre, Dutch forward Jeroen Hertzberger along with Roelant Oltmans as their Head Coach, UP Wizards have an extra edge over the opponents and they have the capability to dominate the match. The Lucknow-based team will continue with their previous game-plan of earning maximum penalty corners and convert the opportunities in goals with the help of experienced penalty corner specialist VR Raghunath.

However, Kalinga Lancers can’t be taken lightly as they may not have star players but they have talented set of players who have the ability to snatch the match from the jaws of their opponents. Under Head Coach Jude Felix, Kalinga Lancers have young Vikram Kanth as Captain, Argentinean penalty corner specialist Gonzalo Peillat, Australian forward Russell Ford, New Zealand midfielder Ryan Archibald along with Indian young talents Gurjinder Singh, Lalit Upadhyay and Roshan Minz. Upbeat about their first win against Ranchi Rays 6-3 and impressive performance against Jaypee Punjab Warriors, Kalinga Lancers will stick to their strategy of surprise attacks and materialise on opponents’ mistakes. Considered as the Dark Horses of the League, the Lancers have enough confidence to stun Uttar Pradesh Wizards and clinch 5 points to remain title contenders of the Hero HIL 2015.

Speaking after the practice session, Reolant Oltmans Head Coach, Uttar Pradesh Wizards said, “We hope to continue the good form. It will be a different game altogether. So far, in this season, we had 1 draw and we lost 1 game and in this game, we are looking forward to register our first win of this season.”

Speaking prior to match against Kalinga Lancers on 29th January, 2015, VR Raghunath Captain, Uttar Pradesh Wizards said, “We are trying to improve our performance match-to-match. This is our 2nd match on our home ground in this season and we want to stick to our plan and play on our strong plan. We are also looking forward to rectify our mistakes that we made in the previous match and put up a fantastic show.”

Speaking after the practice session, Jude Felix Head Coach, Kalinga Lancers said, “We have had a good start in the Hero HIL 2015, having a good run till now. We know all the teams are tough and strength wise, all are more or less equals. We understand this thing, so we are not taking much pressure for the upcoming challenges from the teams. Our previous match against Jaypee Punjab Warriors was very competitive as they have some good players and reached the semi-finals in first two seasons. After the match, we have worked on our loop holes and hopefully, we will do well in tomorrow’s match.”

Speaking after the practice session, Vickram Kanth Captain, Kalinga Lancers said, “As you know that Hero HIL is one the most competitive hockey league and as of now, our run is on good direction. We have the best two drag-flickers in the world as our strength and I believe we are working harder on materialising chances on goals. The team has been improving in each match and we are all geared-up for tomorrow’s match.”

Uttar Pradesh Wizards will take on Kalinga Lancers on 29 January 2015 at 1500 HRS IST at Dhyan Chand Sports College, Lucknow. The match will be telecast LIVE on Star Sports.