HIL 2024-25: Delhi SG Pipers Suffer Defeat Against Bengal Tigers
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Rourkela, Jan 4 (NationPress) A brilliant performance by Jugraj Singh, who scored two goals, led the Bengal Tigers to a decisive 4-1 victory over Delhi SG Pipers, handing them their first outright loss of the current season in the ongoing Hockey India League (HIL) at Birsa Munda Stadium on Saturday.
Jugraj (17th, 38th) successfully converted two penalty corners, while Sukhjeet Singh (1st) and Abhishek (47th) added goals from field play for Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers. The only goal for Delhi came from a penalty corner by Gareth Furlong in the 53rd minute.
Previously, the Delhi team had participated in two matches, both of which went to shootouts; they managed to win one and lost the other. This victory marked the Tigers' third consecutive win, moving them to the top of the points table.
From the outset, the Bengal Tigers seized the match's momentum when Sukhjeet scored just 30 seconds into the game from a field effort, pushing the Delhi SG Pipers onto the backfoot immediately.
The Tigers showcased solid defense throughout the first quarter, successfully neutralizing the Pipers' attacks. Despite Delhi SG Pipers having more circle penetrations, they could not register a single shot on target. Two minutes into the second quarter, Jugraj extended the Bengal Tigers' lead with a powerful drag flick from a penalty corner.
Delhi SG Pipers had opportunities as well; in the 22nd minute, Bengal Tigers' goalkeeper Jamie Carr made four consecutive saves, maintaining his team's advantage. In the 27th minute, Tomas Domene nearly scored for the Pipers, but his deflected shot from a narrow angle went just outside the goalpost as the Tigers headed into halftime leading 2-0.
Eight minutes into the second half, Jugraj scored his second goal by converting another penalty corner to the right of Pawan, the Pipers' goalkeeper. Despite their efforts, the Delhi SG Pipers were continually thwarted by the Bengal Tigers.
Two minutes into the final quarter, an unmarked Abhishek tapped in an easy goal, extending Bengal Tigers' lead to 4-0.
Finally, with just seven minutes remaining, the Delhi SG Pipers managed to score through Furlong's penalty corner conversion, but that was all they could muster as the Bengal Tigers secured a full three points from the match. The Delhi team is set to face Soorma Hockey Club next, with both teams scheduled to clash on January 6.
