Sandeep Singh’s hattrick helps Punjab Warriors crush Delhi Waveriders in HIL

Sandeep Singh celebrates after completing hattrick against Delhi Waveriders

The Jaypee Punjab Warriors broke the winning momentum of Delhi Waveriders by handing them a crushing 7-0 defeat at the Hockey Stadium Mohali, courtesy a hat trick from Sandeep Singh. Sandeep was awarded the man of the match as his drag flicks ensured that Punjab solidify the top spot in the league. He is now the top-scorer in the league while Punjab are nine points clear of the second-placed Ranchi Rays.

Punjab dominated the play right from the start and raced to the lead in the 10th minute when Sandeep made no mistake in firing the drag flick into the goal. The second goal arrived just a minute before the end of an opening quarter through SV Sunil’s stick. Sunil capitalised on a scramble in the ‘D’ and put the ball into the goal to double Punjab’s lead.

Delhi could have narrowed the scoreline in the second quarter, but Andrew Hayward shot the penalty stroke wide and the opportunity went begging. Simon Orchard in the 34th minute scored the third goal on a counterattack while Sandeep scored seconds before the end of the third quarter to make it 4-0 in favour of the visitors.

Punjab scored three more goals in the final 15 minutes of play to seal a thumping victory. Christopher Ciriello was the first to score in the 47th minute, when he scored on his second attempt after his initial shot was saved by the goalkeeper. In a flowing move, three minutes later, Robert Hammond scored the sixth goal of the match.

The hat trick was completed three minutes later by Sandeep when his drag flick whistled into the top left corner of the goal, giving no chance whatsoever to the goalkeeper. Punjab will next lock horns with Ranchi on February 10.