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The Mumbai-based hockey franchise Dabang Mumbai HC concluded the Coal India Hockey IndiaLeague on a positive note by winning the clash against Uttar Pradesh Wizards in their last leaguematch to keep their semi-final hopes alive. However, the Alphas lost out on the semi-final spot on thebasis of goal difference to Kalinga Lancers after the two teams were tied on same points after havingplayed 10 matches each.Despite an early exit from the campaign, there were lots of moments to cherish for the Mumbai-franchise. We take a look at the Alphas 3 of the best encounters in HIL 2016:
#1 DM 7-5 RR
After having lost their first 4 matches of the campaign in a closely fought fashion, the Alphas ended their losing streak in style. Ranchi Rays came into the match on a 4-match winning streak and were looking to consolidate their semi-final spot with a win over the Alphas.
However, it was Dabang Mumbai, who drew first blood with Diwakar Ram opening the scoring in the 11th minute, but Ashley Jackson’s penalty corner goal restored parity. Skipper Matthew Swann scored his only goal of the tournament in the second half to give the Alphas 3-1 lead, but Affan \Yousuf was given his marching orders and the Alphas were left to play the remainder of the match with a man down.
With an extra man advantage, the Rays took the lead through a Sarvanjit Singh field goal and a Jackson penalty corner a few minutes later. Despite being a man down, the Alphas continued to play their aggressive style of hockey, the young rising star of team Nilakanta Sharma rose to the occasion and fired a strong shot past Lovell to give the Alphas 5-4 lead by the end of third quarter.
It was the Alphas’ marquee signing Florian Fuchs who hit the final nail in Ranchi's coffin and give Mumbai a 7-4 lead. A late consolation goal was scored by Sandeep Singh in the dying moments of the match, but could not stop the Alphas to register their 1st win of the tournament. A much-needed victory indeed!
#2 DWR 3-8 DM
The match against Delhi Waveriders was, arguably, the best match to take place in HIL 2016. The Alphas were trailing 3-0 through Rupinder Pal Singh’s penalty corner goal and an early Steven Edwards field goal by the end of the third quarter. With just 15 minutes to go, the Alphas had their \backs against the wall, but they came out all guns blazing in the final quarter.
Danish Mujtaba's field goal in the 49th minute opened the floodgates as Dabang Mumbai HC staged the most unlikely of comebacks. Nilakanta Sharma rose to the occasion, once again, and scored the goal which took the Alphas ahead on the scoreline.
Manpreet scored 2 field goals in the space of 3 minutes to take the match away from the home side. Due to these 4 field goals in 9 minutes, the Alphas recorded their 3rd straight victory of the campaign.
#3 DM 6-3 UPW
The Alphas took on Uttar Pradesh Wizards in a must-win encounter for both teams in order to keep their semi-final hopes alive in their last league game. The Alphas took a 2-0 lead through Gurjant’s fine field goal before VR Raghunath pulled one back for the visitors via a penalty corner.
The Warriors’ midfielder, Chinglensana Singh gave the visitors a much important 3-2 lead through a field goal in the second quarter. But, Florian Fuchs struck right after half-time to restore the home team's lead. The Alphas defended the scoreline with numbers at the back as the Wizards came roaring out.
21-year-old Affan Yousuf, however, rounded off the scoring by slotting the ball into the empty net with a diving effort that sealed the 6-3 victory for the home side.
