Ranchi Rays are playing to their full potential: Ashley Jackson

Ranchi Rays skipper Ashley Jackson in action against Kalinga Lancers

The Ranchi Rays handed a crushing 4-0 defeat to the Kalinga Lancers to go second in the Hockey India League points’ table. This was courtesy the first tournament hat-trick of this season from skipper Ashley Jackson, who was also awarded the man of the match.

Jackson might have led from the front, but it was a team effort as striker Mandeep Singh and the whole Ranchi defence also had a good game. Mandeep showed some superb skills, while Nick Wilson also slotted his first league goal.

The Ranchi captain also acknowledged that it was the team’s victory as they were playing to their full potential and hoped that they will continue to do a good job in the forthcoming matches.

“It doesn’t matter being the top goal scorer. What matters is the win and the way we played,” Jackson said. “We have a good pool of talented players in this team and its easy playing in this team which helps take out your full potential.”

“From Birendra Lakra to Barry Middleton, Kothajit Singh, Mandeep Singh, Nick Wilson everyone is very talented. We managed to convert the penalty corners today which helped us to win.”

“We are improving match by match and will continue to work on our team combination and come back strong. The League is still open and we will work on ourselves to keep improving.”

Ranchi are set to lock horns with the Uttar Pradesh Wizards at home, after beating them in Lucknow a few days back. The Rays are expected to cement second spot in the table, behind Jaypee Punjab Warriors.