Wizards beat Lancers 3-1 in HIL

Uttar Pradesh Wizards gave their home fans reasons to cheer as they coasted to a comfortable 3-1 win over debutants Kalinga Lancers to jump to third position in the Hockey India League (HIL) standings at the Major Dhyan Chand Hockey Stadium here Sunday.

The Wizards scored two goals in the first two quarters while their third goal came just seconds from the final hooter. Skipper V.R. Raghunath gave the Wizards the lead in the 17th minute by converting a penalty corner before striker Nikkin Thimmaiah doubled the home team's lead in the 41st minute with a field strike.

The Lancers, however, pulled a goal back in the 59th minute through their drag-flicker Gonzalo Peillat, who found the back of the Wizards' net from a penalty corner. The Wizards, however, managed to hold on to their lead with some stout defending.

The Wizards struck in the final minute when legendary Dutchman Teun de Nooijer scored a field goal to seal the match in his side's favour. The win gave the Wizards five points which enabled them to jump to third position in the standings with 21 points from seven games.

The Lancers will next play Punjab Warriors at Mohali Tuesday while the Wizards will travel to Bhubaneswar to take on the Lancers in the return leg Feb 13.