Women’s HIL: Pipers rally to put Soorma on the brink of elimination

On Saturday, the denizens here came together to commemorate the 123rd birth anniversary of Jaipal Singh Munda. A distinguished politician, accomplished sportsman, and visionary leader, Jaipal’s legacy endures through the iconic 5,000-seater AstroTurf Stadium in Morabadi that bears his name.

So, probably there could have been no better fitting stage for a night of top-class hockey, when JSW Soorma Hockey Club, last year’s Women’s Hockey India League (HIL) runner-up, was effectively shown the door by the current edition’s table-topper SG Pipers.

Coach Jude Menezes would have heaved a sigh of relief when Soorma finally dispelled the hex after three games and 24 unsuccessful penalty corners, but his happiness turned out to be short-lived.

Penny Squibb’s fiery swipe from the second battery beat Pipers’ defender Lola Riera and sounded the boards. But the latter was quick to make amends. A drag-flick from the three-time Olympian in the very next minute clattered into the backboard to take her season tally to three goals — the joint-most alongside Shrachi Bengal Tigers’ star Agustina Gorzelany.

Jyoti Singh brought more joy to the high-flying Pipers dugout in the second quarter, dispossessing Shihori Oikawa in front of the goal before burying the ball deep into the net.

Sonam almost pulled level in the dying moments of the first half, but the Indian forward’s attempt was thwarted by an alert Cristina Cosentino. The Argentine shot-stopper met the moment once again in the last quarter when a deft touch from the opposition skipper, Salima Tete, momentarily threatened Pipers’ lead.

With 10 minutes to go, Menezes took off goalkeeper Nidhi to have the services of an extra field player. But the plan backfired, with Sunelita Toppo flying through the right flank to slot the ball into an empty goal and seal Soorma’s fate.

The result: JSW Soorma Hockey Club 1 (Squibb 12) lost to SG Pipers 3 (Riera 13, Jyoti 18, Sunelita 58).