Ranchi :Delhi Waveriders got the better of defending champions Ranchi Rays 2-0 in the bronze medal play-off match to finish third in the Hockey India League here today.
The Waveriders played an attacking game and put up a strong defence.
The match started with the Waveriders pressing hard to score but the well prepared defenders from Ranchi Rays ensured that they do not convert any opportunities.
The Waveriders had the higher ball possession during the first quarter of the match and also ensured higher circle penetrations. However, they couldn’t capitalise on any chance.
Ranchi Rays made a few good moves on the counter but all their attempts to score were foiled by Delhi Waveriders.
The second quarter started with Waveriders continuing their attacking game. They were finally able to break the deadlock with a field goal from Mandeep Singh in the 18th minute, taking a crucial 2-0 lead.
Delhi dominated the ball possession for most of the quarter thereafter, not giving any inch to Ranchi Rays.
The second quarter ended with Delhi leading 2-0.
The third quarter started with Ranchi Rays trying hard to establish equilibrium in the match. They launched successive attacks but were unsuccessful in moving past Delhi’s rock solid defence line.
The final quarter of the match saw the Rays making desperate attempts but Delhi were in no mood to allow the Ranchi forwards to convert any opportunities into a goal.
The Waveriders strong midfield put Ranchi Rays on the back foot and even though they made a few entries into the rival circle, the excellent saves by Delhi goalkeeper Devon Manchester ensured that the defending champions could not convert any into a goal.
Delhi received a cheque for Rs 75 lakhs for finishing third.
PTI