Bhubaneswar, Feb. 7: Hockey fans were treated to end-to-end action as the Punjab Warriors eked out a 4-1 win against a plucky Kalinga Lancers in the Hockey India League at the Kalinga Stadium here today.
Although the result came as a shock to the high-flying Lancers, the fans are still hopeful of championship glory. The team is currently top of the points' table with 22 points from seven games, having won four matches. The franchise will host third-placed Ranchi Rays on Monday their last home game. The hosts, Warriors and Rays all have the same number of points, but the Lancers lead the standings by virtue of a better goal difference.
Lancers fans came out in numbers once again today, cheering for the team. The Lancers had hoped to cement its chances of securing entry into the last four, but defeat to the Warriors means that they will have to wait till at least the next two matches to guarantee entry into the semi finals.
"The team's performance has been outstanding compared to the last two seasons. We were hopeful that the team would win today's match and increase its tally. Unfortunately, we lost that opportunity. However, we are hopeful of winning our last home match against the Ranchi Rays," said team mentor and former India hockey captain Dilip Tirkey.
The Lancers made its league debut in 2014, winning only two matches, followed by three wins in 2015. The team finished last in the points' table in 2014, although it went on to secure the fifth position in 2015.
Hockey enthusiasts are hopeful of another thrilling contest against the Rays with both the teams vying for the top spot on the table. "The league has become more fascinating with three teams standing on equal points. ," said Lancers fan Sitanshu Swain.
Organisers said that the Lancers' impressive displays led to huge ticket sales for today's match. "All the tickets for today's match were sold out while we are also expecting a huge turnout for tomorrow's match," said an organiser.
Lancers defender Amit Rohidas said the match against the Rays would be crucial for the home side. "It will be a do-or-die match for us and we will give our 100 per cent," he said.
After tomorrow, the Lancers play the Punjab Warriors in the return leg in Chandigarh on February 15 and the Delhi Waveriders in Delhi on February 17.
