HIL 2024-25: Delhi SG Pipers Overcome Gonasika in Exciting Season Debut
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Rourkela, Dec 28 (NationPress) The Delhi SG Pipers emerged victorious with a score of 4-2 in the shoot-out against Gonasika after a thrilling 2-2 draw in the opening match of the Hockey India League (HIL) 2024-25 season held at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium on Saturday. Tomas Domene (5`, 39`) netted two goals for the Delhi SG Pipers, while Struan Walker (26`) and Victor Charlet (35`) found the back of the net for Gonasika during the regulation 60 minutes.
Argentina’s Domene scored the inaugural goal of the HIL 2024-25 season in the fifth minute. Delhi SG Pipers’ captain Jake Whetton seized possession high on the pitch, skillfully maneuvering into the Gonasika circle before earning a penalty corner from Dipsan Tirkey. Domene unleashed a powerful drag flick into the goal, leaving goalkeeper Oliver Payne with little time to react. As the first quarter progressed, Gonasika gradually found their rhythm and nearly equalized towards the end. Captain Manpreet Singh attempted a one-two with Jack Waller but was unable to connect with the ball in front of the goal.
Desperate for an equalizer, Gonasika finally succeeded just four minutes before halftime. Araijeet Singh Hundal launched a fierce shot aiming to catch Delhi SG Pipers goalkeeper Benjamin Rennie off guard at the near post. The shot deflected slightly off Gonasika forward Nikkin Thimmaiah’s stick and struck the post, allowing Walker to tap the ball into the empty net.
Delhi SG Pipers immediately sought to respond, but Payne made several impressive saves, ensuring both teams entered halftime with the score tied. After trailing for most of the first half, Gonasika took the lead early in the third quarter, just five minutes in. Mandeep Singh and Araijeet Singh Hundal orchestrated a counter-attack, leading to a penalty corner. Victor Charlet’s powerful drag flick got past goalkeeper Pawan and Jarmanpreet Singh at the post, igniting exuberant celebrations among the Gonasika players.
However, Gonasika’s lead was short-lived, lasting only four minutes. Walker received a five-minute suspension shortly after for a foul, allowing Delhi SG Pipers to exploit their numerical advantage. Ky Willott positioned himself at the goalline and executed a precise cut-back, which Domene converted effortlessly.
In the final minute of the third quarter, Domene nearly completed his hat-trick from a penalty corner but was denied by Payne, who also saved Sumit Kumar's follow-up. Payne continued to shine with two remarkable saves midway through the fourth quarter, preventing Delhi SG Pipers from taking the lead. Just a minute later, Domene once more came close to his hat-trick, only for his drag flick to hit the post.
Both teams pressed hard for a late winner, but the goalkeepers stood their ground, resulting in a final score of 2-2. During the penalty shootout, Delhi SG Pipers successfully converted four out of five attempts to claim victory. Jake Whetton, Tomas Domene, Sourabh Anand Kushwaha, and Raj Kumar Pal all scored for Delhi SG Pipers.
The second match of the HIL 2024-25 will see Hyderabad Toofans face off against Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers before Soorma Hockey Club competes against Tamil Nadu Dragons on Sunday.
