Rays first to enter HIL semis

Ranchi, february 13

Defending champions Ranchi Rays routed Uttar Pradesh Wizards 6-0 in a round robin match to seal their semifinal berth in the fourth edition of the Hockey India League.

With 32 points from six wins and three losses, Rays are on top of the leaderboard and are the first team to have booked a semifinal berth this season. Rays started on an attacking note but UP Wizards, spearheaded by star goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, spoiled all their efforts. The second quarter was also dominated by Rays. The Ranchi team managed to get five penalty corners in the second quarter (three back-to-back) but could not capitalise on a single one due to some scintillating saves by Sreejesh. Both the teams failed to break the deadlock at the half time. Rays finally tasted success in the 40th minute through a spectacular field goal by Flynn Ogilvie to secure a 2-0 lead.

In the fourth and final quarter, Rays tasted success once again (47th minute) when the hosts scored their second field goal through skipper Ashley Jackson. The hosts sealed the game in the 59th minute through another field strike which came off the stick of Sumit Kumar. — PTI