HIL 2024-25: UP Rudras Triumph Over Soorma Hockey Club 3-0; Maintain Six-Point Lead
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Rourkela, Jan 2 (NationPress) UP Rudras clashed with Soorma Hockey Club and emerged victorious with a score of 3-0 in the Hockey India League (HIL) 2024-25 held at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium this Thursday. This victory marks the UP Rudras' second consecutive win, placing them at the top of the standings with six points.
Sudeep Chirmako (2’) netted an early goal for the UP Rudras. Although Soorma Hockey Club created several chances in the second quarter, the UP Rudras maintained their composure, and Jobanpreet Singh (38’) extended their lead in the third quarter. Akashdeep Singh (58’) scored in the final quarter, solidifying the UP Rudras’ second win in the league. The UP Rudras asserted their dominance right from the start, compelling Soorma Hockey Club to adopt a defensive stance. In just the second minute, Gurjot Singh entered the shooting circle and found Lalit Kumar Upadhyay, but the shot was deflected to Sudeep Chirmako, who unleashed a powerful shot on the half-turn to score the opening goal.
As the first quarter advanced, Soorma Hockey Club managed to string passes together and countered the Rudras’ attempts. They earned two penalty corners as the first quarter concluded but failed to convert. The UP Rudras continued their high press in the second quarter, yet Soorma gradually found their rhythm, earning multiple penalty corners. However, the Rudras’ defensive unit, spearheaded by first rusher Lars Balk and goalkeeper James Mazarelo, stayed alert, preventing any threats to their goal.
The Rudras elevated their performance in the third quarter, executing sharp passes around Soorma players. At the 38-minute mark, Sudeep Chirmako, from the left wing, pulled the ball back to Jobanpreet Singh, who pushed it into the net, doubling UP Rudra’s advantage. Soorma Hockey Club increased their pressing in search of a goal but struggled to breach the UP Rudras’ sturdy defense.
As the final quarter began, Soorma Hockey Club gained more possession, forcing the UP Rudras back into their own half. They exhibited more patience with the ball to generate opportunities, soon leading to Vivek Sagar Prasad finding Gurjant Singh in the shooting circle, but his attempt went wide of the post.
With five minutes remaining, the UP Rudras gained a couple of penalty corners but were unable to capitalize. Shortly thereafter, Hardik Singh launched a counterattack, passing to Akashdeep Singh, who scored with a stunning reverse tomahawk, making it 3-0 for the UP Rudras.
In a final effort, Soorma Hockey Club’s captain Harmanpreet Singh pushed forward in search of a consolation goal, earning a penalty corner but could not keep it on target.
