Bhubaneswar, Feb 11 (IANS): The 2015 edition of the Hockey India League (HIL) is all set to witness the first clash between Kalinga Lancers and Delhi Waveriders at the Kalinga Stadium here Thursday.

With a total of 15 points, defending champions Waveriders have two wins, losses and draws each to their name. Playing their seventh game, the Sardar Singh-led side will try their best to notch a win and solidify their position in the standings.

"The mistakes committed during the last match are being observed minutely and the boys are working rigorously to improve their game. We have the skills and we can do much better," Waveriders head coach Cedric D'Souza said.

"We are working towards our attacking strategies and to better our approach during circle penetrations in order to build up as many opportunities as possible. Tomorrow's match will see our team in better shape."

On the other hand, with a lone win to their credit, home team Lancers are sitting at the bottom of the league with only nine points and will take to the field with the sole intention of recording a win and ascend in the points table.

Lancers and Waveriders have met twice in the previous edition of HIL where the Delhi team won the first match 5-0 and the second one 4-3.

“The team has been training really hard and our aim is to win every match that we play hereon. It is going to be an interesting match as Waveriders are a tough team and as they are the defending champions their sole motive will be to retain the title," Lancers head coach Jude Felix said.

"We will try and use Waveriders’ previous defeat against Jaypee Punjab Warriors to our benefit as we have learned that though the Waveriders’ squad is pretty strong, there are quite a few loop holes that may prove to be advantageous for us.”