Rourkela, Jan 5 (NationPress) The Tamil Nadu Dragons clinched a 2-0 victory over the UP Rudras thanks to goals from Abharan Sudev (48') and Thomas Sorsby (60') and a stellar defensive performance by captain Amit Rohidas at the Hero Hockey India League showdown held at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium on Sunday.
The Dragons nearly took the lead in the second minute when Uttam Singh found himself in a promising 4v1 situation, but they failed to convert. The UP Rudras were relentless in their pursuit of the first goal; however, David Harte proved impenetrable in goal. They were awarded a penalty corner just before the first quarter concluded, but Rohidas demonstrated his elite skills by charging out to deflect Sam Ward's powerful attempt.
The second quarter concluded with the score still at 0-0, as neither goalkeeper faced significant pressure. Shesha Gowda excelled in his defensive role, effectively neutralizing the dangerous Hardik Singh. Tom Craig made a vigorous run towards the end of the half but was thwarted by an impressive tackle from Lalit Upadhyay, leaving both teams to regroup for the intense final two quarters.
In the third quarter, the UP Rudras began strongly as Lalit, surrounded by three defenders, managed to win a penalty corner in the 34th minute. Kane Russell struck the ball into the net with a fierce dragflick, but it was disallowed as the ball had crossed the circle before his shot. The Rudras continued to apply pressure, leading to another penalty corner won by Ward two minutes later, yet the Dragons' defense held firm.
The Dragons countered with a golden opportunity when Uttam made a swift run down the right flank, delivering a precise lofted pass to Tom Craig at the goalmouth, but the Australian was unable to bring the ball under control. The Rudras finished the third quarter with 14 penetrations into the circle and three penalty corners but still searched for that elusive goal as the match progressed into the final quarter.
The Dragons broke the deadlock in the 48th minute when Abharan Sudev scored from close range. Nathan Ephraums unleashed a powerful shot that James Mazarelo could only parry into Sudev's path, and the Indian attacker made no mistake. The Tamil Nadu side pressed again as Thomas Sorsby stormed down the left before delivering a low cross into the circle, but Blake Govers was just out of reach.
The Rudras had a prime opportunity to equalize with a penalty corner in the 52nd minute, but Rohidas again dashed off the line to block Russell's dragflick. In the final moments, the UP Rudras won back-to-back penalty corners, but Rohidas was up to the task, thwarting both attempts and preserving a clean sheet for his team.
With just 13 seconds left on the clock, Sorsby sealed the game with a precise finish, leading to jubilant celebrations for the Tamil Nadu Dragons as they claimed their first outright win of the season, moving up to third place in the standings.
