Dabang Delhi proved there was more to it than captain Kashiling Adake as the team registered its first victory of the season with a 32-24 win over Bengaluru Bulls here on Saturday, Meraj Sheykh being the star of the side.
The stocky Iranian was in red-hot form with just one unsuccessful raid in the 19 that he attempted. Along with the airtight defence of D. Gopu and Sachin Shingade, Delhi was far superior to the opposition in every department. Gopu had two super tackles and Shingade one – a super tackle is when three of less defenders manage to tackle a raider – as Delhi's defence kept it in the game every time Bengaluru threatened to come close.
The opening few minutes was the only time Bengaluru took lead but thereafter it was Delhi all the way. Sheykh jumped, stretched and wriggled out of every defence Bengaluru attempted for his eight points but more than the numbers, it was the manner in which they came that stood out.
In the defence, corner Gopu and inside defender Shingade made sure the Bengaluru raiders did not return successfully. With ankle holds that tripped and did not let go, the duo held firm even as Delhi effected two all-outs on the opposition to firm its grip on the match.
Rohit Kumar continued his own good form and did his best till the end, attempting to keep Benguluru in the game but with no support from the rest, he was unable to do much. Same was the case with its defence that was not only porous but also lacked co-ordination and, barring the experienced Mohit Chillar, none was able to do much.
For Delhi, Adake was off-colour, unable to showcase his eel-like escapades but then Delhi did not need them on this day.
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