Mohali-based franchise Jaypee Punjab Warriors have made a sensational start to the 2015 edition of the Hero Hockey India League, claiming four victories and one draw in their first five matches of the competition.
Following an entertaining 3-3 tie away at Dabang Mumbai in their opening fixture, the team captained by legendary Kookaburra Jamie Dwyer and coached by fellow Australian Barry Dancer have put together a four match winning streak to sit comfortably at the top of the HHIL league table. Home wins over Kalinga Lancers (4-2) and Uttar Pradesh Wizards (3-2) before claiming two high quality away victories over 2014 winners Delhi Wave Riders (1-3) and Kalinga Lancers (1-2) to confirm themselves as early front-runners.
The Warriors’ excellent form has certainly been helped by world class performances from not only Dwyer but also India defender and penalty corner expert Sandeep Singh, who has bagged five goals in this season’s HHIL to sit at the top of the scorers’ chart. Dwyer has contributed with three goals and sits joint second in the top scorers table alongside Ashley Jackson (Ranchi Rays – England & Great Britain), Barry Middleton (Ranchi Rays – England & Great Britain), Akashdeep Singh (Delhi Wave Riders – India), Gurjinder Singh (Kalinga Lancers – India) and VR Raghunath (Uttar Pradhesh Wizards – India).
Uttar Pradesh Wizards sit second in the table with two wins, one draw and one defeat from their opening four matches, having played one game less than the Warriors. That will all change in the coming days, with the Wizards looking forward to two huge home games in successive days. On 3rd February, the Wizards will be aiming to get maximum points against Ranchi Rays before a mouth-watering meeting with Jaypee Punjab Warriors on 4th February.
You can keep track of all the action from the Hero Hockey India League on the official tournament website and on their Twitter and Facebook social media channels. To see the star-studded squad lists, click the links below.
Debang Mumbai
Delhi Waveriders
Jaypee Punjab Warriors
Kalinga Lancers
Ranchi Rays
Uttar Pradesh Wizards
