Ranchi, Jan 14 (NationPress) In a thrilling match at the Marang Gomke Astro Turf Hockey Stadium, the Ranchi Royals showcased an impressive display in their Men’s Hockey India League (HIL) encounter against SG Pipers. The highlight was undoubtedly captain Tom Boon, who delivered a spectacular performance by scoring five goals, leading his team to a decisive 6-2 triumph and emphasizing their offensive capabilities in front of an enthusiastic home crowd.

While Mandeep Singh (13’) and Tom Boon (17’, 40’, 41’, 50’, 60’) found the back of the net for the Royals, Tomas Domene (20’) and Gareth Furlong (39’) managed to score for the Pipers.

The match began with the Ranchi Royals dominating possession and creating the first significant opportunity. However, SG Pipers quickly adapted and nearly took the lead in the fourth minute when Dilraj Singh had a shot expertly cleared off the line by a Royals defender.

The first quarter was filled with intense action, with both teams making multiple incursions into the opponent's circle. The Royals eventually broke the deadlock when Mandeep Singh (13’) found space in the circle, scoring to give Ranchi Royals an early lead.

Just before the end of the quarter, the Royals almost doubled their lead with a penalty corner, but a mishap in trapping the ball meant they ended the first quarter with a narrow 1-0 advantage.

In the second quarter, Ranchi Royals extended their lead after being awarded a penalty stroke, skillfully converted by Tom Boon (17’) to make it 2-0.

SG Pipers, determined to fight back, applied pressure and earned their first penalty corner, which Tomas Domene (20’) converted successfully, narrowing the gap. Despite the Royals earning two more penalty corners, they couldn’t capitalize, heading into halftime with a slim 2-1 lead.

After halftime, SG Pipers equalized in the third quarter when Gareth Furlong (39’) scored from a penalty corner. However, the momentum swiftly shifted as Ranchi Royals responded with two quick goals from Tom Boon (40’, 41’), who netted from penalty corners, restoring their two-goal cushion and ending the third quarter at 4-2.

As the fourth quarter began, SG Pipers aimed for a comeback, but Ranchi Royals tightened their grip on the game. Tom Boon (50’) scored his fourth goal with a powerful strike, almost sealing the match. The Royals maintained their offensive pressure, and Boon (60’) capped off his remarkable evening by converting another penalty corner, finalizing the score at 6-2 and leaving the Royals in fourth place on the points chart.