HIL 2024-25: Soorma Club secures vital 5-3 victory over Kalinga Lancers
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Synopsis
JSW Soorma Hockey Club staged an impressive comeback to defeat Vedanta Kalinga Lancers 5-3 in the HIL 2024-25. Key players included Prabhjot Singh, Harmanpreet Singh, Nicolas Keenan, and Maninder Singh, who contributed to the team's victory at Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium.
Key Takeaways
- Soorma's comeback showcased remarkable resilience.
- Harmanpreet Singh was a standout performer, scoring multiple goals.
- Nicolas Keenan played a crucial role with his timely strike.
- Defensive efforts from Soorma were essential to securing the win.
- High-scoring matches in the HIL make for thrilling spectacles.
Rourkela (Odisha), Jan 27 (NationPress) Prabhjot Singh, Harmanpreet Singh, Nicolas Keenan, and Maninder Singh contributed to a remarkable comeback as JSW Soorma Hockey Club clinched a hard-fought 5-3 triumph against the Vedanta Kalinga Lancers in the Men’s Hockey India League (HIL) 2024-25 at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium on Monday.
The match began with Dilpreet Singh (5’) putting the Lancers ahead, but Prabhjot Singh (26’) equalized for Soorma. In a flurry of goals during the third quarter, Harmanpreet Singh (32’, 54’) and Nicolas Keenan (33’) propelled Soorma into the lead, although Theirry Brinkman (44’) managed to pull one back for Kalinga. Maninder Singh (51’) and Harmanpreet Singh then extended the lead for Soorma, and despite Gursahibjit Singh (56’) scoring late for the Lancers, Soorma secured three crucial points.
Soorma set the pace early in the game, pressing into the Lancers' half. The first significant chance came from the Lancers as Sanjay crossed from the right wing, forcing Soorma's goalkeeper Vincent Vanasch to react. Shortly after, Dilpreet Singh unleashed a powerful shot from the top of the circle to give the Lancers a 1-0 lead.
As the first quarter concluded, the teams exchanged circle entries, and Lancers' Rabi nearly scored from a deflected cross but missed narrowly, ending the quarter 1-0 in their favor. The second quarter witnessed the Lancers pressing Soorma back into their circle, but Soorma gradually found their rhythm, making several entries into the Lancers' circle.
With four minutes left in the half, Harmanpreet sent a ball down the middle to Prabhjot, who deftly redirected it past Lancers’ goalkeeper Cotterill Toby Reynolds to equalize. The Lancers received a penalty corner just before halftime, but Sanjay's low dragflick was easily saved.
The third quarter opened with Soorma earning a penalty corner, where captain Harmanpreet Singh executed a powerful flick to the top right corner, giving Soorma the lead. Almost immediately, Harmanpreet assisted Nicolas Keenan, who scored with a reverse shot.
Soorma then slowed the game's pace to protect their lead, but as the quarter neared its end, Brinkman scored for the Lancers from a tough angle. Shortly after, the Lancers secured a penalty corner but failed to convert. Soorma responded with a penalty corner of their own, but Maninder Singh missed the target.
In a swift counter-attack, Gurjant Singh found Maninder, who capitalized on a one-on-one opportunity, scoring to extend Soorma’s advantage. They earned another penalty corner six minutes before the end, with Harmanpreet again finding the bottom right corner, making it 5-2.
In the closing moments, the Lancers launched a final push, with Brinkman dancing through defenders to set up Gursahibjit Singh for a goal. The Lancers had one last penalty corner but Hendrickx could not convert. Soorma held strong in the final seconds, clinching victory in this thrilling match.
