New Delhi: Sitting pretty atop the leaderboard in the Hero Hockey India League 2014, last year's runners-up Delhi Waveriders would be desperately hunting for a win against title holders Ranchi Rhinos on Wednesday to avenge their defeat at the hands of the same opponents in their last match.
A win on Wednesday will also serve as a revenge for the Sardar Singh-led home team who lost 2-1 against the Rhinos in the final of the inaugural HHIL last year.
The Delhi outfit had earlier lost by a solitary goal against the Rhinos at Ranchi in their previous encounter this year but come on Wednesday the Waveriders would settle for nothing less than a victory in their last home match this year.
The Waveriders are currently leading the standings with 29 points from eight games, while the Rhinos are placed third with 23 points from six matches. And a win match will secure semifinal berth for both the Waveriders as well as the Rhinos.
With the business end of the tournament coming close, the Waveriders would also be hoping to carry on their winning momentum having tasted victories in their last two matches.
The Rhinos, on the other hand, had to sweat it out against less-formidable teams like Dabur Mumbai Magicians and Kalinga Lancers in their last few games.
And a much-improved performance against the Waveriders tomorrow will definitely help in lifting the morale of the defending champions.
Waveriders skipper Sardar Singh is well aware about the significance of their last home match but expects a tough fight from the Rhinos tomorrow.
"Ranchi Rhinos is a strong team and they will give us a good fight. However, we have prepared ourselves accordingly.
Though playing on the home ground always serves as an advantage we will ensure that we do not disappoint the fans here. We will put in our best efforts to put forward a good match for the crowd," he said.
The Ranchi side coach Gregg Clark too promised to give the Waveriders a run for their money tomorrow.
"Delhi Waveriders is a strong team and are on the top position so far. It will be a tough match tomorrow, but we are all prepared to give a cut throat competition," he said.
"The opponent team has an advantage of playing on home ground, but we are confident and will get down in the field with enthusiastic spirit and a strong determination to win," Clark added.
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