HIL 2024-25: Tenacious Hyderabad Toofans Secure 3-0 Victory Over UP Rudras
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Rourkela, Jan 8 (NationPress) The Hyderabad Toofans showcased an impressive performance, defeating the UP Rudras with a score of 3-0, marking their first outright victory in the Hockey India League (HIL) 2024-25 at the Birsa Munda Stadium on Wednesday. Goals from Zachary Wallace (6'), Rajinder Singh (14'), and Shilanand Lakra (32') enabled the Toofans to secure crucial points, allowing them to climb to No. 5 in the standings.
Determined to improve their standing, the Hyderabad Toofans began the match with a clear intention to win. They displayed a solid attacking strategy, taking an early lead of 2-0 in the first quarter. Zachary Wallace's remarkable back-handed shot in the sixth minute initiated their scoring, while Nilakanta Sharma provided an excellent assist for Rajinder Singh's stunning field goal in the 14th minute.
After starting the game on the defensive, the UP Rudras aimed to recover in the second quarter. They had a promising chance through a penalty corner (PC), with Hardik Singh delivering a well-executed injection that Kane Russell attempted to convert. However, Toofans' goalkeeper Dominic Dixon displayed superb skills, thwarting the effort. Although Hardik managed to retrieve the rebound for another shot, Dixon remained steadfast in his goalkeeping duties. The Toofans also had a PC but failed to extend their lead.
In the third quarter, the Toofans increased their advantage to 3-0 in the 32nd minute. A crucial interception while Hardik was in possession allowed the Toofans to set up Shilanand Lakra, who scored by sending the ball through the legs of UP Rudras' goalkeeper Prashant Kumar Chauhan. This goal significantly raised pressure on the Rudras.
In the 49th minute, Floris Wortelboer assisted the Rudras in winning a vital PC. Hardik executed his injection perfectly again, but Dixon managed to deny Russell's attempt. The Toofans' captain Sumit made a remarkable diving effort to clear the ball during two consecutive PCs awarded to the Toofans.
As the match approached its conclusion, the Rudras were awarded another PC with six minutes remaining, but Sam Ward's shot went wide. In the final moments, with only 46 seconds left, the Toofans earned a PC. Gonzalo Peillat's flick was powerful but went directly to goalkeeper James Mazarelo. On a re-award, Peillat attempted again, but the injection was inadequate. Nevertheless, the Toofans successfully maintained their 3-0 lead to claim their first victory in the HIL.
