Wizards, Warriors share the spoils

Uttar Pradesh Wizards and Jaypee Punjab Warriors drew 2-2 to register the first draw of the Hero Hockey India League (HHIL) at the Dhyan Chand Stadium in Lucknow on Sunday.

The Warriors took the lead as early in the sixth minute through Jake Whetton’s field goal. Their joy, however, was shortlived as the Wizards drew level six minutes later. David Alegre (12th minute) equalized for the visitors from a rebound after Stockmann denied Luke Doerner from a penalty corner.

Tied at 1-1 at the half-way mark, Jaypee Punjab Warriors took the lead once again when Satbir Singh (50th minute) scored with a forehand shot in the third quarter after he was set up by Simon Orchard and Whetton’s fine work from the right flank.

But the Wizards did not give up hope and pressed hard in search of the equliser and managed to draw level four minutes later through S K Uthappa.  

The result gave both sides two points apiece from the match. Jaypee Punjab Warriors have consolidated their position at the top of the standings with 18 points from five games while the Wizards have 13 points from four games.

The UP Wizards will next play Delhi Waveriders at New Delhi on Wednesday while Jaypee Punjab Warriors will take on Dabur Mumbai Magicians in Mumbai after five day’s rest on Saturday.

In the other tie in Bhubaneshwar,  Arjun Hallapa silenced the Kalinga crowd with his winning goal in the 58th minute that gave the Delhi Wave Riders a 4-3 win over the Kalinga Lancers on Sunday.