HIL: UP Wizards beat Ranchi Rays, climb to third spot

Uttar Pradesh Wizards produced a scintillating performance to beat two-time title holders Ranchi Rays 4-0 and jump to the third spot in the points table of the Hockey India League, in Lucknow, on Thursday.

Field goals by Seve van Ass (37th minute) and Akashdeep Singh (60th) sealed the much-needed five points for the home side. The result kept UP Wizards in the hunt for the semi-finals.

When the two teams met earlier in the league, they split points with a 0-0 draw in Ranchi.

Placed at the bottom of the table, and three more games left in the pool stage, it was a must-win game for the home side to keep their semifinal hopes alive.

While both the teams went into the first break locked in a stalemate, Uttar Pradesh Wizards got off the blocks in the second quarter pressing hard in the circle and it paid off when they won the first penalty corner in the 19th minute.