Hockey India League: Jackson helps Rays edge past Waveriders

Skipper Ashley Jackson led from the front with twin strikes to hand defending champions Ranchi Rays a 2-1 win over Delhi Waveriders and register their second victory in the Hockey India League Season Four, here on Tuesday.

Jackson converted penalty corners in the 29th and 31st minutes after the Waveriders took the lead through Rupinderpal Singh, who too scored from a set peiece in the 27th minute.

Ranchi Rays, co-owned by India’s limited overs cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, had defeated Uttar Pradesh Wizards 4-2 in their previous match.

By virtue of this win Ranchi Rays have moved to fourth in the standings with 11 points from three games.

Delhi are a rung above in third with same number of points but have a superior goal difference.

In fact, all the top four teams have 11 points each from three games apiece but Kalinga Lancers and Jaypee Punjab Warriors are at the top with a better goal difference.

After a break day on Wednesday, Ranchi Rays host Kalinga Lancers on Thursday while the Waveriders travel to Mumbai to play Dabang Mumbai on Friday.