Ranchi Rhinos blunt Kalinga Lancers 3-2

 by sportswire4u.blogspot.com

RANCHI, FEB 7

Hosts Ranchi Rhinos registered their third win from five outings by prevailing over Kalinga Lancers by 3-2 after playing a one-all draw in the first half of the Hero Hockey India League here today.

Three Kalinga Lancers players were penalized for rough play. Amir Mohd Khan was show green card followed by yellow in the 51st minute. Kalinga captain Kiel Brown and Ryan Archibald were shown green cards in the sixth and 70th minutes respectively.

The first two goals of the match was the result of penalty corner conversion. Ashley Jackson converted a penalty corner in the sixth minute to draw first blood for Ranchi Rhinos. Kalinga Lancers had to wait for 32 minutes to open their account. They were awarded a penalty corner in the 32nd minute and Gonzalo Pellat converted it to restore parity for Kalinga Lancers.

Kalinga Lancers were able to take 2-1 lead in the 51st minute Kiel Brown scored a field goal. Ranchi Rhinos then went all out and mounted pressure. They raids bore fruits as Mortiz Furste scored a field goal (2-2) in the 57th minute. Seven minutes from the hooter, Amon Tirkey snatched the match-winner with a field goal.

With three wins, one draw and one defeat, Ranchi Rhinos have so far logged 18 points and were tied with Jaypee Punjab Warriors for the second spot in points table. Kalinga Lancers have 8 points to their credit from one win and four defeats and were at the fifth place.

Delhi Waveriders are leading with 25 points. Uttar Pradesh Wizards (15) are at the fourth position. Dabur Mumbai Magicians are without any point in their kitty and are bottom-placed.