Rhinos edge out Warriors 3-2

With short spells of rain only a minor distraction, Ranchi Rhinos edged past Punjab Warriors 3-2 in a Hockey India League match at the Surjit Stadium in Jalandhar on Monday. Rajeev Bhaskar reports.

With short spells of rain only a minor distraction, Ranchi Rhinos edged past Punjab Warriors 3-2 in a Hockey India League match at the Surjit Stadium in Jalandhar on Monday. This was the second defeat for the Warriors at the hands of the Ranchi outfit.

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The contest began on a sedate note but minutes into the second quarter, the home team managed a penalty corner, which went abegging.

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The absence of injured SV Sunil in the Warriors' forward line added to the home team woes, though, despite all odds, they scored a goal in the 34th minute when Australian Kieren Govers converted a penalty corner. Compatriot Ciriello Christopher then increased the lead in the 50th minute through a penalty corner. The Rhinos were soon in counter-attack mode, reducing the margin two minutes later when Reid Ross converted a penalty corner. Soon, the Rhinos scored two quick goals through Mandeep (62nd) and Ross (69th) to stage a come-from-behind victory.

Tickets for the semifinals and final to be held at Ranchi on February 9 and 10, are available at the venue.