Delhi Wave Riders News

Ranchi, 25 January 2015: Post their electrifying win yesterday over Dabang Mumbai, Ranchi Rays looks to be finding its form in the ongoing 3rd edition of the Hero Hockey India League. While on the other hand post their 2-2 draw against Uttar Pradesh Wizards in Lucknow, the Sardar Singh led team still looks confident of stamping their dominance in the League. With both the teams looking at a win tomorrow it will yet again be an exciting clash in the League which has been witnessing each team giving their best and showcasing that they are no less than the other.

Post losing their inaugural match against Kalinga Lancers, Ranchi Rays struck hold against Dabang Mumbai yesterday. Trailing by 0-1 in the third quarter, Ranchi Rays came back strong by winning the match 2-1 leaving the hosts stunned. What turned the tables in their favor were Barry’s stunning field goals which gave no chance to Dabang Mumbai’s David Harte to stop the ball going past him. With a win in their kitty Ashley Jackson’s team would look at registering their second win against the Defending Champions.

On the other hand with a draw in their game against Uttar Pradesh Wizards, Sardar Singh and team would look at opening their winning account. While being aware that they are just one game old, they will not wait further to get their winning streak going. Also they are conscious that their defence has to come out good to stop Barry Middleton, Manpreet Singh and Ashley Jackson’s seamless coordination and the ability to get past the opponents’ defence and score goals.

Speaking on the match tomorrow Sardar Singh, Captain Delhi Waveriders said, “Our team is improving very well under our Head Coach Cedric D’Souza and we will step on the field for tomorrow’s match with a positive mindset. The pre-HIL coaching camp was very helpful for us and we have got enough time to build up our team. We worked on various strategies in the camp and planned few things for all the upcoming matches. We are looking forward to tomorrow’s match and finish the game on a winning conclusion.”

Speaking on the clash tomorrow Cedric D’Souza, Head Coach of Delhi Waveriders said, “After our last match draw against UP Wizards, we are in better shape and have improved from our previous game. We are ready for tomorrow’s match and we will play our natural game keeping few strategies in our mind. We have worked on a number of things in today’s practice session and as all the teams have the best players, we are not taking any team lightly. The crowd here is very passionate about hockey and I am looking forward to tomorrow’s match in front of a cheering crowd.”

Speaking on the all important match Ashley Jackson, Captain Ranchi Rays said, “It was great to get our first win of the competition and the team is really happy with the improved performance from our first game. The team’s confidence level is high for tomorrow’s match and we look forward to pocket second win against Delhi Waveriders. We are excited to be heading back to play in front of our home fans in Ranchi tomorrow.”

Speaking ahead of the match tomorrow Harendra Singh, Head Coach Ranchi Rays said, “Ranchi Rays are playing their first home match in this season of Hockey India League; therefore we are looking forward for a well contested match on home turf tomorrow. Both the teams are well balanced which we witnessed in our last outing at Mumbai and we expect same kind of keen contest playing against Delhi Waveriders. Being Mahi’s home town I am sure large number of people will come to support their favorite star’s team.”

Speaking ahead of the first match on their homeground Manpreet Singh of Ranchi Rays said, “I am very pleased with the way our team performed yesterday and got our first win against Dabang Mumbai. This win has boosted our confidence and we will make every effort to convert all the scoring opportunities into goals. We will be looking ahead to give a confident performance against the Defending Champions, Delhi Waveriders. Moreover, we will not let pressure take over us and we will play to the best of our capabilities in front of our home crowd tomorrow.”

Ranchi Rays will play against Delhi Waveriders on January 26, 2015 (Monday) at 1700 HRS IST, at Astroturf Hockey Stadium, Ranchi.

The match will be telecast LIVE on Star Sports.