Bhubaneswar, Jan 17 (NationPress) The Hyderabad Toofans kicked off their Bhubaneswar segment in spectacular fashion, achieving a resounding 6-0 triumph against the Shrachi Bengal Tigers during the Men’s Hockey India League (HIL) at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium this Saturday.

Zachary Wallace and Tim Brand were the standout players for the Toofans, each netting a hat-trick that contributed to a decisive victory. Wallace scored in the 2nd, 17th, and 30th minutes, while Brand found the back of the net in the 12th, 39th, and 46th minutes.

The Toofans took an early lead just two minutes into the match when Talwinder Singh skillfully maneuvered the ball inside the circle and set up Wallace, who expertly slotted it past the goalkeeper. The Bengal Tigers responded with two penalty corners shortly thereafter; however, Tom Grambusch’s attempts went astray, with one shot going wide and the other saved by goalkeeper Jean-Paul Danneberg.

The Toofans doubled their lead in the 12th minute with their initial penalty corner of the game. Despite an initial save of Amandeep Lakra’s drag-flick, Brand quickly capitalized on the rebound. Hyderabad continued to press their advantage, extending their lead in the 17th minute as Wallace dribbled through the middle and sent a low shot that found the bottom corner past the goalie.

In the second quarter, the Bengal Tigers crafted some promising opportunities, with Abhishek testing both the Toofans’ defense and goalkeeper Bikramjit Singh. Nevertheless, Hyderabad held firm and struck again just before halftime, with Wallace netting his third goal from a deflected effort.

The third quarter started with a more evenly matched contest, but Hyderabad soon regained control. In the 39th minute, Arshdeep Singh displayed remarkable skill along the baseline before providing an assist to Brand, who calmly finished to make it 5-0.

The Toofans sealed their victory early in the fourth quarter, with Brand completing his hat-trick in the 46th minute. After an initial save, he took advantage of the rebound to net the sixth goal.

In the final moments of the match, the Bengal Tigers earned consecutive penalty corners but failed to penetrate a disciplined Hyderabad defense that maintained control throughout the match.