News 2016

21^st January, 2016, Lucknow:  Uttar Pradesh Wizards and Ranchi Rays are set to play their first match against each other at the 4^th edition of the Coal India Hockey India League at Major Dhyan Chand stadium Lucknow on 22^nd January 2016. This will be the first match for the UP Wizards team on their home ground and they will be looking to make the most of the first match at the home turf.

Uttar Pradesh wizards who were victorious in a thrilling encounter against the Kalinga Lancers in Bhubaneswar will be looking to carry the form forward into the match and gain the second win of the tournament.

Uttar Pradesh Wizards, Head Coach, Roger Van Gent said, “I thought our last match against Kalinga was a good and exciting match. We scored twice in the last 43 seconds which was a good start. Tomorrow is a totally different game we have 5 points but that is not going to take us through to the semi- finals. We have to start from scratch and also win tomorrow. So our focus is on tomorrow.”

Uttar Pradesh Wizards, Captain VR Raghunath said, “We played an exciting match against Kalinga. The win will boost our confidence but it’s just the beginning of the tournament and we should take it one match at a time. Ranchi is a good team and we will be looking to put our best foot forward.”

The defending champions Ranchi Rays coming on the back of a loss at Chandigarh will have a point to prove and under the captaincy of the marquee player Ashley Jackson will be looking to bounce back in the tournament with the same flair as they won the previous edition.

Speaking on the occasion Ranchi Rays, Head Coach, Harendra Singh said, “We have started with a loss in the tournament but it’s too early to predict. It is just the beginning of the tournament and we have regrouped ourselves. The UP team looks much balanced this time and has a good attacking line up. We have one of the best midfields and defence in the league and you will see two contrasting games on display. We will be playing the same tight game as we have done in the previous edition and look to clinch our first win. I believe the new turf and the flood lights will add to the sheen of the match.

 “We lost the match against the Punjab Warriors by 2-0 but we were happy by the way we played. Hopefully we can take some chances and score some goals, said Ranchi Rays Captain, Ashley Jackson.”