Delhi taste home success

New Delhi, February 11 (PTI)

Delhi Waveriders reignited their hopes of reaching the semifinals after beating defending champions Ranchi Rays 7-4 in a hard-fought battle in the Hockey India League here today.

An excellent show from the forward-line along with some scintillating saves from goalkeeper Devon Manchester helped the Waveriders register their first home win after three losses.

With this win Delhi Waveriders climbed from the last place to fifth place with 22 points from nine games. Ranchi Rays still lead the points tally with 27 points.

The match began on an attacking note with the Waveriders pressing hard to score. The hosts seemed to be beaming with energy. Continuous attacks led to the home team's first success, Mandeep Singh scoring a field goal in the 7th minute.

Delhi doubled their lead in the 13th minute when the Waveriders were awarded a penalty corner. Talvinder Singh scored from the second rebound to make it 3-0.

The second quarter was no different as the hosts kept on pressing hard and struck for the third time. Talvinder took his tally to three with a field goal in the 19th minute and the hosts went 5-0 ahead.

The visitors finally achieved success through captain Ashley Jackson in the 35th minute, reducing the margin to 5-2.

Within seven minutes, Mandeep scored his second field goal, taking his tally to four, in the 42nd minute to make it 7-2.

Ranchi Rays tried hard to score on the counter but Manchester made some excellent saves for the Waveriders.

Ranchi found success in the 50th minute through a field goal from Trent Mitton to make it 7-4. But, despite a couple of penalty corner chances, the visitors couldn’t make a comeback.