Bhubaneswar, Jan 17 (NationPress) The Hyderabad Toofans kicked off their Bhubaneswar leg in a commanding fashion, achieving a remarkable 6-0 triumph over the Shrachi Bengal Tigers during the Men’s Hockey India League (HIL) at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium on Saturday.

Zachary Wallace and Tim Brand were the standout performers for the Toofans, each netting a hat-trick to secure the emphatic win. Wallace scored in the 2nd, 17th, and 30th minutes, while Brand tallied goals in the 12th, 39th, and 46th minutes.

The Toofans took an early advantage in the second minute of the first quarter when Talwinder Singh skillfully maneuvered the ball inside the circle and set it up for Wallace, who expertly finished through the goalkeeper’s legs. The Bengal Tigers were awarded two penalty corners shortly after, but Tom Grambusch’s drag-flicks were off target, with one shot missing the net and another saved by goalkeeper Jean-Paul Danneberg.

Hyderabad doubled their lead in the 12th minute from their first penalty corner of the match. Although Amandeep Lakra’s drag-flick was initially stopped, Brand was quick to convert the rebound. The Toofans continued to apply pressure and extended their lead in the 17th minute when Wallace dribbled through the center and delivered a low shot that found the back of the net.

The Bengal Tigers created a few opportunities in the second quarter, with Abhishek testing the Toofans’ defense and goalkeeper Bikramjit Singh, but they failed to find the target. Just before halftime, Wallace netted his third goal following a deflected effort from the right flank that looped over the goalkeeper.

The third quarter started with a more evenly matched contest, but Hyderabad quickly regained control. In the 39th minute, Arshdeep Singh demonstrated impressive skill along the baseline to assist Brand, who calmly scored to make it 5-0.

The Toofans sealed their victory early in the fourth quarter as Brand completed his hat-trick in the 46th minute, scoring after his first shot was saved and he capitalized on the rebound.

Despite earning back-to-back penalty corners late in the match, the Bengal Tigers couldn't penetrate a disciplined Hyderabad defense, which maintained control throughout.