Hockey India League: Walmiki, Akashdeep give Waveriders full points

Home advantage and a sustained effort towards the end enabled the Delhi Waveriders register a 2-1 win over the Mumbai Magicians in the Hockey India League at the National Stadium on Thursday.

Home advantage and a sustained effort towards the end enabled the Delhi Waveriders register a 2-1 win over the Mumbai Magicians in the Hockey India League at the National Stadium on Thursday.

The win also helped them to remain atop the table with 24 points.

The Waveriders played a waiting game in the opening 17 minutes, but at the same time made efforts to wear down their opponents.

The rewards weren't visible immediately but it paved way for breaching the rival defence.

Magicians' defender Gurjinder Singh, who had moved upfront to support his team-mates, failed to trap the ball close to the half-line, and before he could recover, the Waveriders launched a counter-attack and scored off Akashdeep Singh.

After change of ends, Mumbai had a chance but goalkeeper Nicolas Jacobi thwarted the move. Repeated efforts, however, did yield success. With his deft stick work, skipper Glenn Turner scored off a rebound and brought his team back in the game in the 49th minute.

In another counter-attack in the 66th minute, Waveriders' Yuvraj Walmiki, lurking close to the post, deflected the ball into the net.

Walmiki, who also earned goal of the match award for his hard work, said, "It was a great day for me and my team."

While the Waveriders were jubilant in victory, things have got difficult for the Magicians, who are currently at the bottom of the table.

Rhinos take on Lancers

Ranchi: Defending champions Ranchi Rhinos take on debutants Kalinga Lancers on their home turf here Friday.

After a tough draw with Mumbai Magicians on Tuesday, the Rhinos are practising with a fresh approach and new strategies. They have played three out of their four matches on home ground which has helped them to understand and implement tactics well at home.