Men’s HIL: Tigers post a gritty win over Soorma

: Defending champion Shrachi Bengal Tigers may not have produced a performance befitting its status, but it did enough to grind out a 3-1 win over JSW Soorma HC in the Men’s Hockey India League at the SDAT–Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium here on Sunday.

Later, in an absorbing contest, Vedanta Kalinga Lancers produced a top-notch performance — it twice came back from deficit—to outwit Ranchi Royals 4-2, with a brace each by drag-flick specialist Alexander Hendrickx and Gursahibjit Singh sealing the full points.

Mediocre affair

What was expected to be a high-quality contest between last season’s champion and third-placed team rarely rose above mediocrity.

Both sides struggled in the attacking circle, squandering possession and promising situations, as the game lacked purpose without either goalkeeper being seriously tested. The first half, in particular, witnessed poor finishing. Soorma’s talisman Jugraj Singh — last season’s top-scorer with 12 goals — failed to convert all three of his penalty-corner attempts. Tigers, too, were lacklustre up front, unable to translate advantage into clear chances.

Tigers finally roared after the break. In the third quarter, Tom Grambusch’s penalty-corner drive took a faint touch off Sukhjeet Singh’s stick to break the deadlock.

The goal lifted the Tigers spirits, who began to move with greater purpose. Soon after, Abhishek showcased why he remains one of the most feared forwards in the league. With Jeremy Hayward closing him down, Abhishek shifted the ball wide and unleashed a thunderous backhand that flew past ‘keeper Vincent Vanasch, to double the lead.

Soorma briefly threatened a late comeback when Prabhjot Singh swept past Jamie Carr with six minutes remaining. Sensing that it was racing against time, Soorma withdrew Vanasch in a last-ditch attempt to force an equaliser. However, Tigers exploited the vacant goalmouth, with Gursevak Singh sealing the tie.

The results: Shrachi Bengal Tigers 3 (Sukhjeet 33-pc, Abhishek 45, Gursevak 60) bt JSW Soorma HC 1 (Prabhjot 54).

Vedanta Kalinga Lancers 4 (Hendrickx 9-pc, 28-pc, Gursahibjit 16, 26) bt Ranchi Royals 2 (Boon 1-pc, Mandeep 9).