Excited to play in front of home fans: Ashley Jackson

Ashley Jackson, captain of Ranchi Rays

Ranchi, January 25 (IANS) Ranchi Rays captain Ashley Jackson has said that it was great to get a win under their belt after they lost their Hockey India League (HIL) opener. The Rays lost the opening match of the tournament 3-6 to Kalinga Lancers in Bhubaneswar on Thursday but came back strongly to defeat Dabang Mumbai 2-1 in Mumbai on Saturday night.

"It was great to get our first win of the competition. I was really happy with our improved performance from our first game. We are excited to be heading back to play in front of our home fans in Ranchi," said Jackson.

The Ranchi-based team will play their third match at home on Monday against defending champions Delhi Waveriders.

"Ranchi Rays are playing their first home match in this season of HIL. We are looking forward for a well contested match on home turf," Rays head coach Harendra Singh said.

"Both the teams are well balanced which we witnessed in our last outing at Mumbai and we expect the same kind of keen contest tomorrow. Being Mahi's (Mahendra Singh Dhoni) hometown, I am sure large number of people will come to support their favourite star's team."

The Rays is co-owned by the Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni.