Fatigue may hold back Rays

Ranchi: The admission may not be forthcoming from the team management but there is hardly any doubt that fatigue, in all probability, has made its way through the ranks of Ranchi Rays ahead of their fourth Hockey India League encounter against Dabang Mumbai here at Astroturf Hockey Stadium on Wednedsay.
Having played three matches in a space of five days, including two away games in Bhubaneswar and Mumbai, Ashley Jackson and his boys are in desperate need for some rest and relaxation after reining in defending champions Delhi Waveriders in a 2-2 draw here on Monday evening.
With coach Harendra Singh ruling out media interactions so that his wards can rest relax and rejuvenate, the hosts opted for a ‘recreational’ practice session on Tuesday before taking on the Tom Boons and Glenn Turners.
While their opening encounter was a disaster after having conceded half-a-dozen goals against Kalinga Lancers in the tournament opener, the Rays have shown stomach for fight by taming the Mumbai outfit in their own den despite falling behind early to a Tom Boon goal. A similar plot ensued when they took on the Waveriders at home on Monday, before rallying back in the third and fourth quarter to secure a hard-fought draw. Against a formidable Mumbai side, the hosts would be keen to iron out their co-ordination problems in the midfield and defence.
Despite the lapses, the likes of Manpreet Singh, Mandeep Singh, Barry Middleton and captain Ashley Jackson have caught the eye with individual brilliance. Manpreet, in particular, has been in dazzling form down the flanks. Into his third season with the city-based franchise, Middleton, too, has done his bit, including a double strike against Mumbai on Saturday.
For Mumbai their third match is a chance to redeem themselves after being humbled at home by the Rays. “Yes it (revenge) will be there (on the mind). When they came to Mumbai they took full points but we want to have a fair and good match and will try to make it as difficult for the Rays as possible. We are eyeing nothing less than a win,” Mumbai coach Valentin Altenburg said on Tuesday.
Having bought the most expensive player in the form of Australian forward Boon, Mumbai will look to take charge of the game from the start. With the experienced Turner and the irrepressible duo of Chinglensana Singh and Harmanpreet Singh, the tourists can prove to be a more than a handful against a vulnerable Rays defence. However, the Mumbai back-line, too, has let in five goals in two matches.
The hosts’ fatigue may become the tourists’ advantage as they try to earn their first win in the tournament.