Rourkela, Jan 6 (NationPress) The captain of India, Harmanpreet Singh, displayed his scoring ability, guiding Soorma Hockey Club to a 2-2 (3-1 SO) penalty shootout victory against Delhi SG Pipers in the Hockey India League 2024-25 at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium here on Monday, securing the second position in the points standings.
Following a subdued first half, Tomas Domene (43’) and Manjeet Singh (45’) struck to give Delhi SG Pipers a two-goal advantage in the third quarter. Nevertheless, Harmanpreet Singh (48’, 57’) responded with two drag flicks to level the score in the final quarter, compelling a penalty shootout.
Soorma Hockey Club started the match with slightly better ball control, but it was Delhi SG Pipers who first penetrated the opponent's shooting circle, almost five minutes into the match. However, Jake Whetton’s attempt went wide.
Shortly after, the Pipers secured a penalty corner, but Domene’s flick was easily cleared by Nicolas Della Torre at the post. Maninder Singh managed the only shot on target for Soorma towards the end of the first quarter, entering the circle and shooting from the top, but his attempt was comfortably saved by Benjamin Rennie, the goalkeeper for Delhi SG Pipers.
The second quarter began with Delhi SG Pipers earning a penalty corner, yet Tomas Domene’s drag flick went directly to Vincent Vanasch, the goalkeeper for Soorma. With Soorma opting for a half-court press, the Pipers persistently attacked but failed to create a clear goalscoring opportunity. Raj Kumar Pal had the best chance to score with a reverse shot from a tight angle with three minutes remaining, but Vanasch was vigilant and the first half concluded without any goals.
Shamsher Singh attempted to maintain the Pipers' dominance with a quick shot from an aerial pass as the third quarter commenced, but his shot hit the post. Five minutes into the third quarter, Maninder Singh earned Soorma’s first penalty corner, yet Della Torre’s low flick was easily deflected away.
The Pipers continued their relentless pursuit of a goal and as the third quarter neared its end, Ky Willot set up Domene on the right wing, who bypassed his marker and slid the ball through Vanasch’s legs to put Delhi SG Pipers ahead. With a minute remaining in the quarter, the Pipers launched a counterattack led by Jake Whetton, who sent a cross in front of the goal, and Manjeet Singh was quick to dive and redirect the ball into the net, extending their lead.
Soorma displayed increased determination as the final quarter began, pushing the Pipers into their half, but Rennie saved attempts from Phil Roper and Maninder in quick succession. Soorma earned their second penalty corner shortly after, and Harmanpreet Singh skillfully drove the ball through Benjamin Rennie’s legs to score. Maintaining the pressure, they earned another penalty corner with four minutes left in the match, and Harmanpreet again found the bottom right corner to equalize.
Vivek Sagar Prasad, Nicolas Keenan, and Boris Burkhardt successfully scored in the penalty shootouts, while Vincent Vanasch made three crucial saves, securing the bonus point for Soorma Hockey Club.
