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A magnificent 60th-minute goal by Dabang Mumbai's Robbert Kemperman snatched victory from defending Champions Jaypee Punjab Warriors by a narrow 2-1 margin in the Hockey India League, in Chandigarh, on Saturday.
Tristan Clemons continued his fine form as he starred in the first quarter for Jaypee Punjab Warriors. The alert Aussie saved two field goals that could have taken Dabang Mumbai's lead to 4-0. First it was Florian Fuchs' attempt in the third minute of the match when he turned around a tactical dribble in the circle to take a strike twice and on both occasions Clemons was perfect in padding it away.
The Third quarter proved to be lucky for the home team as they took a 1-0 lead in the 37th minute when Mink van der Weerden, who has been in incredible nick this season, converted a PC for the defending champions sending a powerful flick to the left top corner of the post. This was his fifth successful attempt at scoring a PC in this season.
Later, they overcame a close shave when the umpires upheld a video referral by Jaypee Punjab Warriors who insisted that Clemons was deliberately obstructed by Gurjant Singh at the post when Nilakanta Sharma successfully converted a field goal.
A rookie mistake by the Dabang Mumbai forward denied the table toppers a 2-1 lead.