UPWizards thrash host Kalinga Lancers by 8-6 on inaugural match

BHUBANESWAR: The Uttar Pradesh Wizards on Monday thrashed host team Kalinga Lancers by 8-6 points in the inaugural match of Hockey India League 2016 at Kalinga Stadium here.

In a nail-biting finish, champion striker Akashdeep Singh of UP Wizards snatched the match from the jaws of Lancers in the final seconds.

Wouter Jolie opened the account for Wizards scoring the first goal of the league by smashing a hit direct to the goal post. Kenny Bain doubled the lead for the Wizards by scoring another field goal.

Pardeep Mor of Lancers pulled one field goal back for the hosts with a clever scoop over the goalie.

During the end of first quarter, three field goals have been produced by both the teams while UPWizards were leading the host with two goals and four points.

Not staying behind their opponent, the host team pulled one goal drawing the scores level with an intelligent deflected field goal by Glenn Turner.

The first half goal fest came to a close with four field goals being scored. Both the teams earned four points each by producing field goals each.

Glenn Turner produced another field goal giving a lead to the host team.

But, the Wizards were never to be bullied. Before the end of the last quarter, Wizards produced two field goals.

What could be a twist in the match, the Wizards levelled the score when Eddie Ockenden smashed the ball past the goalkeeper forcing the host team to think about their strategy. But, the Wizards had the last laugh when their champion striker Akashdeep Singh scored a field goal in the final seconds snatching the match from the hands of Lancers.