Bhubaneswar, Jan 19 (NationPress) In a captivating encounter, the Ranchi Royals clinched a remarkable victory against HIL GC after a nail-biting 4-4 draw over four quarters, winning 4-1 in the shootout during the Men’s Hockey India League (HIL) at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium on Monday.

Goal scorers for the Ranchi Royals included Araijeet Singh Hundal (19', 32'), Sam Lane (42'), and Tom Boon (57'). In contrast, Lalit Kumar Upadhyay (25', 53'), Kane Russell (36'), and Sudeep Chirmako (39') found the net for HIL GC. During the shootout, the Royals’ Vishnukant Singh, Sam Lane, Maxime van Oost, and Tom Boon successfully converted their attempts.

The match commenced with a strong offensive display from the Ranchi Royals, who made early circle entries. Mandeep Singh had a chance on goal but was thwarted by HIL GC's James Mazarelo, who made a critical save. The first quarter saw HIL GC regain composure but struggled to create clear scoring opportunities due to the strong defense from the Royals.

The first penalty corner was awarded to HIL GC late in the 18th minute; however, Kane Russell's shot was expertly saved by Suraj Karkera, the Ranchi Royals' goalkeeper. Shortly after, the Royals were also awarded a penalty corner, but Tom Boon's attempt was unsuccessful.

As the second quarter resumed, Mandeep Singh displayed impressive awareness to win the ball in a threatening position. His shot was blocked, but Araijeet Singh Hundal (19') capitalized on the rebound and easily scored into the empty net.

In the 25th minute, HIL GC had another chance with a penalty corner. Although Kane Russell's initial dragflick was saved, Lalit Kumar Upadhyay (25') quickly tapped the ball into the net, equalizing for HIL GC. The first half ended with both teams unable to break the deadlock despite several attempts.

Two minutes into the third quarter, the Ranchi Royals took the lead again when Mandeep Singh fired a shot that was saved, but Araijeet Singh Hundal (32') was there to slot home the rebound. HIL GC responded three minutes later with a well-executed penalty corner, converted by Kane Russell (36').

HIL GC took the lead for the first time in the match with a stunning field goal from Sudeep Chirmako (39'). However, the Royals quickly leveled the score again, with Sam Lane (42') deftly redirecting Jack Waller's pass into the goal.

As the final quarter unfolded, both teams exhibited exceptional attacking play in search of the winning goal. HIL GC had a penalty corner in the 47th minute, but Kane Russell's attempt was saved by Suraj Karkera. Conversely, Ranchi Royals earned a penalty corner at the 62nd minute, but their strategy was thwarted by another save from James Mazarelo.

With just seven minutes remaining, the Royals made a costly mistake, allowing Lalit Kumar Upadhyay (53') to score and regain the lead. In a thrilling finish, Tom Boon (57') scored from a late penalty corner, equalizing once more and pushing the match to a shootout.

In the decisive shootout, the Ranchi Royals executed flawlessly, defeating HIL GC 4-1, with standout performances from Vishnukant Singh, Sam Lane, Maxime van Oost, and Tom Boon, while Suraj Karkera shone as the goalkeeper.