Rays edge past Wizards 1-0 in HIL

Uttar Pradesh Wizards were defeated 0-1 by Ranchi Rays with host captain Ashley Jackson scoring the lone goal of the Hockey India League (HIL) match here Sunday. Now, both Rays and Wizards sit with 19 points from six matches in the standings.

The visitrs kept the Rays at bay at the start by holding possession. The Rays, on the other hand, restricted the Wizards from doing any damage.

Picking up pace in the second quarter, both teams tried creating goal-scoring opportunities. It turned out to be fruitful for Rays when they secured a penalty corner (18th minute). Despite a poor injection, England's Jackson managed to slice in a magnificent goal, beating Wizards custodian P.R. Sreejesh.

The Wizards managed to create a few opportunities but failed to convert any and the score remained in the favour of Rays by halftime.

The Wizards were striving to level the score in the third quarter. They managed another penalty corner opportunity but once again failed to convert it. The Rays held their ground as their defenders were at their best and turned down all the attacks coming in from the Wizards.

A quality game continued in the fourth quarter as the Rays strived to build on their lead. Back-to-back circle penetrations filled in excitement as time ran down and the Rays claimed yet another competent win over the Wizards.