The Ranchi Rays outwitted the table-toppers Jaypee Punjab Warriors 3-2 to reach the semis of the Hockey India League. Jaypee Punjab Warriors conceded an early goal in the 13th minute and the second goal in the 45th minute leaving them trailing the game 2-0.
Punjab finally made a comeback in the game by levelling the scores 2-2 in the fourth quarter, but wasting no time Ranchi Rays came back strong and scored the third goal and went on to win the game. Post the match, both Ranchi Rays and Jaypee Punjab Warriors are locked at 29 points at the points table.
In the first quarter both the teams struggled to splinter the defence but the Ranchi Rays seized an early initiative and opened the scoring in the thirteenth minute when Parvinder Singh scored on the rebound.
Ranchi Rays took control of the proceedings and made several forays into Punjab’s half. However, none of the team members were able to seize the opportunity and the score remained in favour of Ranchi Rays 1-0 at the end of first half.
With the passing time, Ranchi Rays switched on its attacking mode as another beautiful piece of play was displayed by Ashley Jackson, who successfully converted a penalty corner in the 45th minute and added another magnificent goal to his name.
Ranchi Rays soaked up everything that was thrown at them but Punjab showcased a comeback by scoring two goals in three minutes. Punjab’s Agustin Mazzilli surged sneaked past the goal and opened the score card for his team in 47th minute.
This was followed by another beautiful field goal by Satbir Singh who made a monster strike for Jaypee Punjab Warriors in 49th minute, levelling the score to 2-2. But this equalizer was short-lived as in the 51st minute Ranchi Rays struck their third goal, coming from the stick of Stanli Minz and taking the score to 3-2.