Debutant Ranchi Rays win HIL crown

The last Sunday was completely steadfast for the sports celebration in India. As in cricket, India crushed South Africa in the World Championship. On the other hand Cricket Champion Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s co-owned team Ranchi Rays fetched the title of Hockey India League winners. It was the proud moment for the debutant team after an inspirational performance against Jaypee Punjab. Earlier in the day, last year’s champions Delhi Waveriders defeated Uttar Pradesh Wizards by 2-1 to win the consolation of bronze medal. The Ranchi Rays emerged as the third champions of the Hero Hockey India League. The match took place in Major Dhyan Chand Stadium, Delhi with the attendance of Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Sports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and Indian Olympic Association Secretary General Rajiv Mehta.

The final game for the crown encountered the perfect sensation for the title as the game was pilot to the point of shoot outs to declare the winner. Indian cricket captain’s team Ranchi Rays fought hard to eke out a 3-2 win in the shootout after the teams were locked at 2-2 in the regulation time of the thrilling clash. Kieran Govers (39th minute) and Christopher Ciriello (56th) scored the goals for Punjab Warriors while Stanli Minz (42nd) and Barry Middleton (57th) were the goal getters for Ranchi Rays in the regulation period.

In the series of Hockey India League it was Jaypee Punjab who was running favorites but Ranchi rays gave a complete threat to Punjab at least in the first 30 Minutes of the game. The summit clash witnessed exciting first two quarters as both the teams played free flow hockey. The first penalty corner of the game came in the 34^th minute, but Sandeep Singh’s shot was palmed away by Ranchi goalkeeper Tyler Lovell. It took a brilliant effort from the Govers to break the deadlock in the 38^th minute. In the shootout, Simon Orchard, SV Sunil and the Robert Hammond missed for Punjab Warriors with the only Ciriello and Dharamvir Singh converting their shots. For Ranchi Rays, skipper Ashley Jackson, Daniel Beale scored while Jackson converted a penalty stroke after Stockman fouled Manpreet during his attempt in the shoot-out.

The debutant team Ranchi Rays played a phenomenal hockey and won the title of champions 2015. With this win, the city of Ranchi has got two HIL titles as the now-defunct Ranchi Rhinos had won the inaugural title in 2013. Many members of the Rhinos played for Rays, which was co-owned by Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and the Sahara Group. Khelkit.com an online store for all your sports needs congratulates Ranchi Rays for their outstanding victory and supports them for keeping the flag high of hockey spirit in India.