HIL 2024-25: Rupinder's Double Secures Victory for Bengal Tigers Against Team Gonasika
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Rourkela (Odisha), Jan 1 (NationPress) Veteran drag-flicker Rupinderpal Singh demonstrated his enduring talent, netting two goals to propel the Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers to a win over Team Gonasika in their Hockey India League (HIL) 2024-25 match at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium on Wednesday. Rupinderpal Singh scored in the 31st minute via a penalty corner and in the 48th minute from a penalty stroke, while Manpreet Singh managed to score the only goal for Team Gonasika.
With both Rupinderpal Singh and Jugraj Singh as formidable drag flickers, the Bengal Tigers were quick to demonstrate their prowess when Sukhjeet Singh earned a penalty corner within the first three minutes. However, Jugraj's drag flick was easily saved by Oliver Payne.
Team Gonasika controlled the game early on, with Vishnukanth Singh, Jack Waller, and Jake Draper dominating the midfield. S.K. Uthappa created a significant opportunity for Gonasika, winning a penalty corner midway through the first quarter.
Despite a promising setup, Araijeet Singh Hundal's attempt was thwarted by the Bengal Tigers' defense, allowing Sukhjeet Singh to counter-attack. He made an impressive run, passing to an unmarked Affan Yousuf, who unfortunately could not control the ball, leading to a missed opportunity.
Another chance for the Bengal Tigers came at the end of the first quarter when Sukhjeet earned yet another penalty corner, but Oliver Payne was once again up to the task, saving Jugraj Singh's shot. The second quarter was uneventful, lacking clear opportunities, although the Bengal Tigers did earn two penalty corners without success.
In the 25th minute, Gonasika almost broke the deadlock with a clever play, but Struan Walker narrowly missed the chance to score. The Bengal Tigers earned their fifth penalty corner in the 27th minute, but Rupinder's pass to Abhishek was intercepted by Jack Waller.
Gonasika earned another penalty corner in the 29th minute, but Jamie Carr comfortably saved Walker’s attempt. Both teams remained tied at halftime, with Bengal Tigers having a slight advantage in penalty corners.
The third quarter saw a flurry of activity, with both teams scoring and creating chances. The Bengal Tigers took the lead as Sukhjeet earned a sixth penalty corner, allowing Rupinder Pal to fire an unstoppable shot in the 31st minute. However, Gonasika equalized quickly through a smart play from Walker, who assisted Manpreet Singh to score.
Manpreet was quickly back in action, making a critical tackle to stop another Gonasika attack. Goalkeepers Carr and Suraj Karkera were busy, making several crucial saves. As the quarter progressed, Sukhjeet led a counterattack but was denied by Karkera.
In the fourth quarter, the Bengal Tigers regained the lead when Abhishek won a penalty stroke in the 48th minute, which Rupinder Pal perfectly executed. The Tigers extended their lead with a goal by Sebastien Dockier in the 53rd minute, but it was disallowed after an umpire review revealed a foot fault by Abhishek. The Bengal Tigers' defense held strong, securing their second consecutive victory in the Hockey India League.
Player of the Match Abhishek remarked, “It was a tough match, but our team effort was commendable. We capitalized on our chances better in the second half, which made the difference today.”
