Jaypee Punjab Warriors faced Ranchi Rays in their home ground, Hockey stadium, Chandigarh. Ranchi Rays, co-owned by Indian cricketer MS Dhoni and coached by the Indian Junior Hockey World Cup winning team’s coach Harendra Singh lost to Jaypee Punjab Warriors 1-0 in a brilliant defensive, low scoring league match in the Coal India Hockey India League. Punjab goalkeeper Tristan Clemons made incredible saves throughout the match to lead his team to victory.

The match was a low-scoring affair with a lot of flair.

Starting the first quarter, the stylish Indian midfielder Mandeep Singh, whose performances for Ranchi in the HIL over the years paved way for his entry into the national team, hit the goal post after an incredible solo run.

First goal of the match came in the 25th minute off a penalty corner. Dutch international Mink Van Der Weerden beat Ranchi goalkeeper Tyler Lovell to give Punjab a one-goal lead.
Punjab weaved a wonderful move in the 39th minute of the game but Varun Kumar failed to score. On the other end, Tristan Clemons saved two consecutive penalty corners to maintain Punjab’s solo goal lead.

With eleven minutes remaining in the game, Punjab won a penalty corner for a foot foul inside the 25 yard line. Mink Van Der Warden converted the resulting corner, only for the goal to be dismissed following a referral by Ranchi. Later, Ranchi won a penalty corner but failed to convert it as Ruhr’s shot was deflected off the goal post. The Ranchi Rays remained on the offence in the last five minutes of the game but Punjab stayed firm to win the match 1-0.

Following their win, JPW stayed at fourth position while RR also held on to third place in the league.
Uttar Pradesh Wizards will face Kalinga Lancers today at 7pm IST in the league.