Ranchi Rays take on Dabang Mumbai in HIL

Ashley Jackson

Ranchi, Jan 27 (IANS)

After a gritty 2-2 draw against the Hero Hockey India League (HIL) defending champions Delhi Waveriders, Ranchi Rays are eagerly waiting to take on Dabang Mumbai Wednesday at the Astroturf Hockey Stadium here. While Rays will be looking to win the game in order to share the top position with Punjab Warriors, newly-formed outfit Mumbai will aspire to register their first triumph.

Prior to this, the two teams have met once in the ongoing league where Barry Middleton's brace helped the Rays win 2-1 in Mumbai. With some celebrated players like veteran English playmaker Middleton, Manpreet Singh and Birendra Lakra in the line-up, the Ashley Jackson-led Rays have seven points from three games.

"We are in much better shape and very confident after seeing our performance in the last two matches. We are now more motivated after we made a comeback in the two back-to-back matches," Jackson said.

"For tomorrow's match, we are well prepared and ready for a good contest. We have recently faced them in Mumbai and after that win, our team is confident to give good competition. We defeated them in the previous encounter and we are looking forward to repeating the result."

Mumbai are also prepared for their next game and will bring into play their finest strengths and tactics to record their first win.

With players like the young Harmanpreet Singh, Chinglensana Singh, Tom Boon, Glenn Turner and Matthew Swann, Mumbai have one of the finest teams in the league. Equipped with much expertise and skill, the players are ready to put up a good game of hockey for the spectators.

"We have taken learning from our last games and have been working to rectify them. I am sure the team will not repeat the slip-ups in the forthcoming games and will play better in times to come," Belgian Boon said.