Synopsis
On January 24 in Ranchi, Jugraj Singh's exceptional first-half performance helped the Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers achieve a thrilling 5-3 comeback win against the Vedanta Kalinga Lancers in the Men's Hockey India League 2024-25 match.Key Takeaways
- Jugraj Singh scored twice for the Bengal Tigers.
- The match featured a total of eight goals.
- The Bengal Tigers avenged their earlier loss to the Kalinga Lancers.
- Rupinder Pal Singh's drag-flick was a highlight of the match.
- The Kalinga Lancers fought hard but fell short.
Ranchi, Jan 24 (NationPress) A remarkable first-half performance by Jugraj Singh led the Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers to an impressive 5-3 comeback victory over the Vedanta Kalinga Lancers in the Men's Hockey India League 2024-25 match held on Friday.
Jugraj (10’, 27’), Rupinder Pal Singh (16’), Abhishek (30’), and Pardeep Singh Sandhu (40’) contributed to the Bengal Tigers' success, as they rallied from a 1-2 deficit to secure a vital win.
This result also marked a successful revenge for the Bengal Tigers against the Kalinga Lancers, who had previously triumphed in their earlier encounter with goals from Angad Bir Singh (5’), Thierry Brinkman (11’), and Alexander Hendrickx (33’).
The Kalinga Lancers started strongly, taking an early lead in the fifth minute when Arthur van Doren’s drag-flick hit the post, allowing captain Aran Zalewski to quickly recover the ball.
Unmarked on the far post, Angad Bir Singh tapped in to give his team a 1-0 advantage. The Bengal Tigers responded swiftly, equalizing in the 10th minute when Jugraj Singh scored with a powerful drag-flick after winning a penalty corner, making it 1-1.
The Kalinga Lancers regained the lead just a minute later as Thierry Brinkman executed a splendid one-two with Antoine Kina before scoring, making it 2-1 and marking his ninth goal of the season.
The Bengal Tigers answered back quickly, winning three penalty corners at the start of the second quarter, with Rupinder Pal Singh netting a stunning equalizer at 2-2.
Despite both teams creating chances, outstanding defensive efforts and goalkeeping from Pathak and James Carr kept the score unchanged for a time. Jugraj then scored again with a fierce drag-flick in the 27th minute, putting the Tigers ahead.
The lead increased as Sam Lane made a thrilling run, setting up Abhishek, who struck just before halftime, making it 4-2.
The Kalinga Lancers reduced the deficit with Alexander Hendrickx's drag-flick in the 33rd minute. However, the Bengal Tigers restored their two-goal lead when Pardeep Singh Sandhu scored from a tight angle in the 40th minute, bringing the score to 5-3.
Facing a two-goal deficit, the Kalinga Lancers fought hard in the final quarter but were unable to find the net, as Gursahibjit Singh failed to connect with Angad’s pass. Carr made two crucial saves to deny Brinkman, ensuring the Bengal Tigers' defense held firm to secure a well-deserved comeback win.