Uttar Pradesh Wizards Stun Jaypee Punjab Warriors

Sardara-Singh
Indian hockey captain Sardara Singh in action against Uttar Pradesh Wizards in HIL . Image Source : HIL

Chandigarh : The Uttar Pradesh Wizards today stunned hosts, Jaypee Punjab Warriors defeating them 3-0 in a hard fought game. The match which was being played at the Sector 42 Hockey Stadium in Chandigarh today saw the Wizards winning their second consecutive game after defeating Delhi Waveriders a few days back in Delhi. With this win the Uttar Pradesh Wizards with 17 points are now placed fifth in the points table of the 4th edition of the Coal India Hockey India League.

Hosts, Jaypee Punjab Warriors started on an attacking note trying to penetrate into the opponents circle, but a brilliant defence line coupled with superb goalkeeping from PR Sreejesh ensured that the hosts could not convert any of their attempts.

The goalless first half saw a lot of the game being played in the midfield. While both the sides had close chances to score in the first half but top class goalkeeping and excellent defence on both sides ensured no conversions.

The third quarter began on a similar note with both the teams playing a lot in the midfield. Uttar Pradesh Wizards however tried pressing hard through some classy passes but the hosts displayed their skills time and again to deny the visitors any opportunities to score. However the visitor’s perseverance to attack in the Punjab circle finally saw results when a clever deflection from Akashdeep Singh in the last few seconds of the penultimate quarter gave Uttar Pradesh Wizards a hard fought lead of 2-0 in the game.

The fourth quarter began with hosts, Jaypee Punjab Warriors desperately trying to find their feet back in the game, but the Uttar Pradesh Wizards seemed in no mood to give any chances to them. Uttar Pradesh Wizards continued their attack and their efforts saw results in the final minute of the game when Gonzalo Peillat made no mistakes in converting a penalty corner, finishing the match with a 3-0 win over Jaypee Punjab Warriors. This is the third win for the Uttar Pradesh Wizards and second consecutive win on the trot after a series of losses on their home ground. Interestingly all the wins for Uttar Pradesh Wizards so far have come from away matches.