Ranchi: Defending champions Ranchi Rays beat Kalinga Lancers 3-2 to register and their third straight victory that took them to the top of the Coal India Hockey India League (HIL) table at the Birsa Munda Astro Turf Hockey Stadium here on Thursday.

After a goaless first half, Malak singh gave Lancers a 2-0 lead in the 33rd minute with a field goal which is counted as two in this edition of HIL. Six minutes later, Ashley Jackson reduced the lead to one with a successful penalty corner conversion, while Tim Deavin scored a field goal that enabled the hosts the 3-2 win.