Delhi Waveriders beat UP Wizards 4-3

Delhi Waveriders continued their impressive run in the second edition of Hero Hockey India League as they beat Uttar Pradesh Wizards 4-3 in a high-scoring match to extend their lead at the top of the points table.
The match at Major Dhyan Chand Hockey Stadium here was expected to a be a exciting affair, especially after the two teams finished 1-1 in their previous encounter in New Delhi and it turned out to be one as it rained goals throughout the entire 70 minutes, much to the delight of the spectators.
The Sardar Singh-led Delhi Waveriders outfit, which finished runners-up in the inaugural HHIL last year, showed why they were considered as one of the pre-tournament favourites and pumped in as many as four goals in the opening 20 minutes to stun Uttar Pradesh Wizards and their home fans.

Delhi Waveriders opened the scoring in the eighth minute through a field goal by Talwinder Singh before Rupinderpal Singh (14th minute) converted a penalty corner six minutes later to take a 2-0 lead in the first quarter.
The second quarter unfolded on similar lines as the Delhi Waveriders scored two more goals to extend their advantage. Simon Child (19th, 20th minutes) scored two goals in a span of two minutes to rattle the home team. While the New Zealand striker's first goal came from a field effort, the next came via a penalty corner.
Uttar Pradesh Wizards, however, did not give up hope and produced a spirited fightback to found the opposition net thrice in the last two quarters and keep themselves afloat in the match.

Nikkin Thimmaiah (30th minute) scored the first goal for the hosts from a field strike before skipper V R Raghunath (38th minute) converted a penalty corner eight minutes later as the Uttar Pradesh Wizards went into the final quarter trailing by 2-4.