New Delhi: Jaypee Punjab Warriors defeated Delhi Waveriders 3-1 to extend their winning streak in the second season of the Hero Hockey India League at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, here on Friday.
It was a sweet revenge for the Punjab outfit, who came the second best in the previous encounter between the two sides last week. In the opening game of the six-team franchise-based event this year, Waveriders had finished on the winning side as they defeated Warriors by an identical 3-1 margin.
Both the teams produced exciting fast-paced hockey in the first quarter but it was the visitors who enjoyed a slender one goal lead after the end of 17-and-a-half minutes.
Star drag-flicker Sandeep Singh struck from his side's first penalty corner in the seventh minute to take the early initiative. The Waveriders got their opportunities in the opening half, earning as many as three penalty corners but failed to convert a single one.
Credit should also go to Punjab Warriors' Dutch goalkeeper Jaap Stockmann who made a double save from the Waveriders first set piece. He first denied Rupinderpal Singh and then kept out the rebound to keep his slate clean. Even though the Waveriders continued their attacking game after the change of ends but goals eluded them. The forward line of the home team created some good moves but failed to convert them into goals.
Punjab Warriors had the best of the chances and managed to secure another penalty corner just five minutes into the second half but this time Sandeep shot wide. S V Sunil missed another bright chance for the visitors in the third quarter but his reverse shot from top of the circle went inches wide of the goal.
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