Bhubaneswar, Feb. 2: Kalinga Lancers gave a tough fight but lost 4-3 to Delhi Wave Riders in a tight match here this evening.

The home team started badly after conceding a goal at the very beginning of the match.

Delhi Wave Riders scored their first goal in the third minute of play through a penalty corner. Rupinder Pal Singh put the ball in the nets with precision only to disappoint the home audience who had gathered at the stadium expecting revenge by the home team.

The Lancers had lost their earlier encounter with the Delhi team 0-5. Lancers came back into the game in the second quarter riding on a penalty strike. Lucas Villa converted the penalty stroke earned in 22nd minute bringing smiles on the faces of the local fans.

Unlike the first two matches, the Kalinga Lancers players showed much composure and kept on attacking the opposition. Amid cheers of fans, the players also showed character to foil the attacks through a strong defence. However, Child Simon scored the second goal for Wave Riders in the 29th minute of the second quarter. Wave Riders maintained a lead of 2-1 after end of the second quarter.

Soon after the third quarter began, Child Simon dived to score a spectacular goal giving a 3-1 lead to the visiting team. The home team lost two opportunities as they failed to score in two penalty corners. But soon after in the 37th minute of the game, Gonzalo Peillat scored in the third penalty corner awarded to the home team. At the end of the third quarter, the score remained 3-2 in favour of the Wave Riders.

The home team equalised through the second goal by Gonzalo Peillat through a penalty corner in the 56th minute. But the joy of the home team lasted only for a few minutes as Wave Riders took a 4-3 lead through Arjun Halappa in the 58th minute.

“We may have lost but we are proud of the team’s performance. We will continue to support our team in the remaining matches,” said Sudeshna Rout, a college student.