The Impressive TimesRourkela, January 16, 2025: An impressive first-quarter performance propelled the Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers to a 5-3 triumph against the UP Rudras in the Hockey India League (HIL) at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium.
Gauthier Boccard (8′), Jugraj Singh (10′ and 33′), Sukhjeet Singh (14′), and Abhishek (46′) were the stars for the Bengal Tigers, while Hardik Singh (47′) and Sam Ward (51′ and 59′) contributed for the UP Rudras, who fought valiantly but fell short.
The match began with the Rudras showcasing their intent as forwards Sudeep Chirmako and Lalit Kumar Upadhyay broke into the circle early. However, they failed to convert their chances, and the Bengal Tigers capitalized soon after.
Boccard opened the scoring in the eighth minute with a mesmerizing solo run, weaving past multiple defenders before slotting the ball into the bottom corner beyond goalkeeper James Mazarelo.
The Tigers doubled their lead in the 10th minute with their first penalty corner of the game. Jugraj Singh’s powerful drag flick, deflected off the first rusher, marked the Rudras’ first penalty corner concession of the season.
Sukhjeet Singh added the Tigers’ third goal in the 14th minute, netting the rebound from a Sebastien Dockier attempt. Despite protests from the Rudras over a perceived foul in the buildup, the TV umpire upheld the goal.
The Tigers held a commanding 3-0 lead at the end of the first quarter and continued to pile on the pressure. They won three penalty corners in the second quarter, but Mazarelo and Surender Kumar stood firm to deny further goals.
Jugraj Singh struck again in the third quarter, converting another penalty corner to bring his season tally to five goals, matching the league’s top scorers. The Rudras struggled to breach the Tigers’ defense, with Florent van Aubel pulling off a remarkable goal-line clearance to deny Kane Russell.
The Tigers extended their lead early in the fourth quarter with a counterattacking goal. Abhishek received a pass from Sukhjeet Singh, cleverly dummied the defender, and unleashed an unstoppable shot past Prashant Kumar Chauhan.
The Rudras found some momentum in the closing stages. Hardik Singh converted a penalty stroke in the 47th minute, and Sam Ward scored twice from penalty corners in the 51st and 59th minutes to set up a tense finale.
Despite their spirited comeback, the Rudras couldn’t overturn the deficit. The Bengal Tigers secured the win, climbing to second place in the standings with 12 points, while the Rudras dropped to fourth with nine points.
The thrilling encounter showcased the Tigers’ clinical finishing and the Rudras’ resilience, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the next round of matches.
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