HIL 2024-25: Tamil Nadu Dragons Secure Bonus Point with Shootout Victory Against Kalinga Lancers
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Rourkela, Jan 3 (NationPress) Veteran goalkeeper David Harte was pivotal in the shootout for Tamil Nadu Dragons, helping them secure a vital bonus point against Vedanta Kalinga Lancers after a thrilling 2-2 (6-5) shootout victory in the ongoing Hockey India League 2024-25, held at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium on Friday.
Jip Janssen's goal in the 51st minute thwarted the Lancers' aspirations for a win after they had been leading 2-1. Alexander Hendrickx netted twice (24', 43') to put the Lancers ahead, while Tom Craig scored for the Dragons in the 31st minute.
At the outset, the Tamil Nadu Dragons came out aggressively, with Thomas Sorsby earning an early penalty corner in just the first minute. Following a video referral by the Kalinga Lancers, Jip Janssen's flick was unfortunately off-target. The first quarter showcased the Kalinga Lancers' forward line, composed of Dilpreet Singh, Gursahibjit Singh, and Angad Bir Singh, making several attempts into the striking circle but failing to convert any into goals.
After a scoreless first quarter, the Lancers finally made their mark in the 24th minute by converting a penalty corner, with Alexander Hendrickx executing a stunning drag-flick to score.
This 1-0 lead provided the Lancers with a solid foundation to build upon. However, just before the second hooter, Angad Bir Singh exhibited his dribbling prowess, entering the circle from the right flank and winning another penalty corner, which unfortunately went to waste due to a mis-trap.
Just 45 seconds into the third quarter, Tamil Nadu Dragons equalized when Tom Craig unleashed a fierce tomahawk shot after capitalizing on a loose ball, sending it past Krishan Pathak. The remainder of the quarter was tense, with both teams matching each other's pace, but it was the Kalinga Lancers who ignited the local crowd when Alexander Hendrickx scored again from a penalty corner.
With a 2-1 advantage, the Kalinga Lancers seemed to be in control heading into the final quarter. However, a defensive blunder from the Tamil Nadu Dragons gifted them a crucial penalty corner, but Hendrickx failed to complete his hat-trick.
On the other hand, Shesha Gowda helped the Tamil Nadu Dragons earn another penalty corner, leading to Janssen leveling the score at 2-2. Shortly thereafter, the Dragons earned yet another penalty corner, but Blake Govers' drag-flick was brilliantly saved by Krishan Pathak. The concluding moments of the match were intense, as the Lancers won a penalty corner through Gursahibjit, but ultimately, they could not secure a lead, leading to a shootout.
