Rhinos hand Wizards their first loss in HIL

The Rhinos were the first to get off the block and raided the opposition citadel at regular intervals but their forwards' inability to keep their composure inside the striking circle did not pose any real threat to the Wizards goalkeeper.

Skipper Moritz Fuerste (27th min) opened the account for the Rhinos from a lucky break as he managed to get a faintest of touch from Birendra Lakra's hopeful hit towards the Wizards goal from the 25-yard line, to send the crowd in rapture.

The hosts, however, continued to waste chances at will, including six penalty corners in the first three quarters.

 

They were made to pay for the lapse opportunities when Wizards' Luke Doerner converted a penalty corner in the dying minutes of the third quarter to level the score.

Both the teams were guilty of not showing the precision required to score goals till Nick Wilson beat the Wizards' custodian with a reverse hit from the left flank just three minutes from the final hooter.

Ashley Jackson then converted a penalty stroke in the dying moments of the game to complete the score line 3-1.

With three wins and two losses, Ranchi Rhinos are now placed at second position with 17 points while UP Wizards, who suffered their first loss in the competition, have 15 points from five games.