HIL 2024-25: UP Rudras Stage Remarkable Comeback Against Kalinga Lancers
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Rourkela, Dec 30 (NationPress) James Mazarelo delivered a standout performance that propelled the UP Rudras to a 3-1 triumph over the Kalinga Lancers in their Hockey India League (HIL) 2024-25 match at Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium on Monday. After falling behind to an early first-quarter goal from Enrique Gonzalez (13`), the Rudras mounted a remarkable comeback, scoring through Kane Russell (45`, 60`) and Sudeep Chirmako (50`).
The UP Rudras initiated the match with vigor, as captain Hardik Singh orchestrated play from midfield. Despite having more circle penetrations than the Vedanta Kalinga Lancers, the Rudras' forwards failed to challenge goalkeeper Krishan Bahadur Pathak. The Lancers eventually found their stride midway through the quarter, with English forward Nicolas Bandurak proving to be a significant threat to the Rudras' defense, while Arthur van Doren also attempted a shot on goal.
The Kalinga Lancers seized the lead in the 13th minute with a well-executed play down the right flank. Sanjay made a run along the right channel to locate young Boby Singh Dhami at the goalline. Dhami skillfully maneuvered past the Rudras' defense to find Enrique Gonzalez, who netted the first goal with a first-time finish. The Lancers could have extended their lead before the second quarter if not for some excellent saves from Mazarelo, who denied Alexander Hendrickx’s drag-flick and subsequent attempts from Partap Lakra and Thierry Brinkman.
In the second quarter, Mazarelo remained busy as the Lancers consistently found ways into the Rudras' circle. The Rudras struggled to create meaningful attacking opportunities against a solid Kalinga Lancers defense, notably featuring the impressive Rosan Kujur, who was playing before his home crowd.
Throughout the first half, the Kalinga Lancers dominated, achieving 13 circle penetrations compared to the Rudras' six. Crucially for the Rudras, Mazarelo made five saves in the first half to keep his team competitive. He continued to shine in the third quarter with a spectacular diving save against Boby Singh Dhami in the 33rd minute. The Rudras' attack finally began to click in the 38th minute when Akashdeep Singh found himself in a favorable position but saw his shot blocked by Sanjay.
Pathak faced another challenge shortly after when Lars Balk’s deep pass was cleverly deflected on target by Manmeet Singh. He managed to make another save two minutes before the end of the third quarter, denying Tanguy Cousyns. The Rudras had a golden chance to equalize in the 44th minute when they earned their first penalty corner. Kane Russell expertly executed a drag flick that found the back of the net, igniting a thrilling final quarter.
This goal energized the Rudras, who started the fourth quarter aggressively. They regained possession high in the attacking zone, and Sudeep Chirmako forced Pathak into conceding another penalty corner. However, the Lancers' captain was up to the task, diving to his left to thwart the attempt. The Rudras achieved an incredible turnaround in the 50th minute, taking the lead for the first time. A drive from outside the circle by Lars Balk was redirected towards goal by Sudeep Chirmako, and despite Gurjot Singh challenging Pathak, the ball rolled into the net, leaving the home crowd in shocked silence.
The Lancers ramped up their efforts in search of an equalizer but struggled against the unyielding Mazarelo. The Netherlands’ 2024 Olympic gold medalist Thierry Brinkman found himself in a promising position in the 54th minute, only to be thwarted by Mazarelo.
Desperate to find an equalizer, the Lancers pulled Pathak for an extra outfield player in the final three minutes. However, it was the Rudras who nearly extended their lead when Jobanpreet Singh missed a vital cross in front of an open goal. The Rudras added a third goal in the dying seconds, as Lalit Kumar Upadhyay earned a penalty corner with just 14 seconds remaining. With no goalkeeper to defend against and only four defenders to beat, Kane Russell secured his second goal of the night, sealing the victory.
Player of the Match James Mazarelo remarked, “This is a significant win that demonstrates our resilience; even when down in the game, we believe we can score multiple goals.”
