HIL 2024-25: Team Gonasika Triumphs Over Tamil Nadu Dragons 4-2
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Synopsis
Team Gonasika showcased an impressive performance on January 25, defeating Tamil Nadu Dragons 4-2 in the Men’s Hockey India League 2024-25. Goals by Araijeet Singh Hundal, Jack Waller, Tim Howard, and Chandanda Nikkin Thimmaiah secured their victory, while Amit Rohidas and Tom Craig scored for the Dragons.
Key Takeaways
- Team Gonasika overcame Tamil Nadu Dragons 4-2.
- Araijeet Singh Hundal scored the equalizer for Gonasika.
- Jack Waller and Tim Howard contributed crucial goals.
- Amit Rohidas opened the scoring for Dragons.
- The match showcased high-tempo hockey and strategic play.
Rourkela, Jan 25 (NationPress) Team Gonasika delivered an outstanding performance to overcome the Tamil Nadu Dragons 4-2 in a Pool B match of the Men’s Hockey India League 2024-25, held at the Birsa Munda Stadium here on Saturday. Gonasika’s scoring was led by Araijeet Singh Hundal (14’), Jack Waller (45’), Tim Howard (50’), and Chandanda Nikkin Thimmaiah (51’), while Amit Rohidas (8’) and Tom Craig (56’) found the net for the Dragons.
Despite the defeat, the Tamil Nadu Dragons remained at the top of the points table with 17 points from nine matches. Team Gonasika, on the other hand, held the seventh position with 10 points from their nine games.
Team Gonasika started the match with an aggressive attack, earning a penalty corner in the first minute. However, they could not capitalize on this early chance as the Tamil Nadu Dragons showcased strong defensive tactics, effectively neutralizing the threat.
The Dragons quickly transformed their defensive play into offense, launching a fast counterattack that led to their first penalty corner. Captain Amit Rohidas (8’) stepped up and expertly slotted the ball into the net, giving his team an early 1-0 advantage. Energized by this lead, the Tamil Nadu Dragons adjusted their strategy to focus on maintaining possession and controlling the pace of the game.
Meanwhile, Gonasika, eager to respond, adopted a counter-attacking approach that paid off when Struan Walker delivered a precise pass to Araijeet Singh Hundal (14’), who found a gap and fired home a powerful shot, leveling the match at 1-1. The thrilling first quarter concluded with both teams tied, setting the stage for an exciting contest.
The second quarter witnessed both teams engaging in early exchanges, with several circle entries from each side. Team Gonasika came close to taking the lead multiple times and earned two penalty corners but failed to convert their opportunities. Despite both teams' offensive efforts, the second quarter ended without any goals, and the halftime score remained 1-1.
Team Gonasika initiated the third quarter with an attacking mindset and secured a penalty corner, but Tamil Nadu Dragons goalkeeper David Harte made a remarkable save to keep the score level.
Meanwhile, the Dragons intensified their offensive efforts, testing Gonasika’s defense frequently and winning two back-to-back penalty corners, though they were unable to score from either.
Team Gonasika eventually broke the deadlock when Jack Waller (45’) skillfully deflected a pass from Manpreet Singh into the net from a penalty corner, putting his team ahead. As the penultimate quarter came to a close, Team Gonasika led 2-1, setting up an intense final phase of the match.
With the lead in their favor, Gonasika came out strong in the fourth and final quarter, quickly extending their advantage. Captain Tim Howard (50’) capitalized on a well-placed long pass from Jack Waller, redirecting it into the goal to make it 3-1. Just a minute later, Chandanda Nikkin Thimmaiah (51’) added another goal, completing an impressive team play to increase Gonasika’s lead to 4-1.
Facing a significant deficit, the Tamil Nadu Dragons intensified their efforts, shifting to a more aggressive attacking style. Their persistence paid off when Tom Craig (56’) managed to score, narrowing the deficit to 4-2. However, despite their efforts, this was the last goal of the match, and Team Gonasika celebrated a hard-earned 4-2 victory.
