HIL: Punjab Warriors host Ranchi Rhinos

Jalandhar, Jan 15 (IANS) Jaypee Punjab Warriors, having suffered the disappointment of being beaten in the Hockey India League (HIL) opener, would look for a better result at home where they take on Ranchi Rhinos here Wednesday.

Warriors fought well against Delhi Waveriders Monday, but their forward-line failed to create enough goal-scoring opportunities, and that is something that the team think tank would have worked on.

The likes of SV. Sunil, Shivendra Singh would have to play more attacking hockey, if the Warriors want to be a lot more dangerous in the coming games.

Warriors skipper Jamie Dwyer of Australia admitted after Monday’s game that the team needs to do better.

“We didn’t start the game well. I think, as a team, we still need to combine a bit better. Hopefully, we would start doing that in the next few games,” the Aussie said.

On the other hand, Ranchi Rhinos would be hoping to get their HIL campaign off to a good start.

Rhinos is one team in this league that has invested a lot in the local talent. And it would be interesting to see how the local youth joins hands with some top national and international stars.

The likes of Moritz Fuerste, Ashley Jackson, Austin Smith, Francisco Cortes would have the responsibility on their shoulders to guide the local talent. Then they have the young exciting talent of Birendra Lakra. The man from Orissa, who scored the opening goal in India’s London Olympics qualifying final, might be just 22, but there are a lot of expectations from him already.

IANS 2013-01-15 20:24:04