PKL 2019 | Were playing a bit loose at the start, admits Arjun Singh
PKL
UP Yoddha assistant coach Arjun Singh admitted that his team played lethargically at the start against Tamil Thalaivas but regrouped fast and went for the win. UP won 42-22 last night and the victory not only helped them climb up on the points table but also reduce their point difference.
Tamil Thalaivas were leading the proceedings for the majority of the first half but a super raid by Shrikant Jadhav broke their momentum. The first half ended with 13-14 in Thalaivas favour but the second half saw UP inflicting three all-outs and getting a win. UP Yoddha gained pace in the second half as they scored 29 points in the second half whereas the Thalaivas could only manage to get eight.
“We were playing a bit loose at the start. There was a hint of complacency. They were a bit more determined than we were. But then we regrouped and got our act together to get the win,” UP's assistant coach Arjun Singh said in the post-match press conference.
Their defence played brilliantly as they were able to keep players like Rahul Chaudhari and V. Ajith Kumar silent and only gave them five and four points respectively. Their raiding department forced errors from the Thalaivas' defence which started the match in a calm and composed manner and had only three unsuccessful tackle attempts. So, Yoddha gave an all-round performance and that is why they were able to win the match with a 20-point margin.Â
The win helped UP solidify their position in the Top 6 and go ahead of Bengaluru Bulls and U Mumba with 53 points from the same number of matches. Though UP have an advantage as their home-leg is next and they have time to watch the other teams play and have their goal in their minds.
“We are happy with the win. But we have to maintain this form to ensure we make it to the playoffs. We knew they weren’t going to roll over and they were extremely competitive in the first half. They forced us into taking an early All Out and restrategising our gameplan to win,” Arjun signed off.
