Veteran English playmaker Barry Middleton's brace inspired Ranchi Rays to a 2-1 victory over Dabang Mumbai in a Hero Hockey India League (HIL) match at the MHA-Mahindra Hockey Stadium on Saturday.


Ranchi Rays' Barry Middleton (no 18) celebrates a goal against Dabang Mumbai with his teammates at the MHA-Mahindra stadium on Saturday. Pic/Atul Kamble 

Opening blues vanished
The 31-year-old Middleton scored two field goals (38th, 45th) in the third quarter to help Rays bounce back from their 3-6 opening match loss. For Mumbai, the costliest player of the league Belgian Tom Boon scored the solitary goal in the 38th minute.