Chennai, Jan 9 (NationPress) The Tamil Nadu Dragons secured a vital bonus point by narrowly defeating SG Pipers in a shootout after an exhilarating 4-4 tie during the Men’s Hockey India League (HIL), delivering a match filled with high scores and relentless action.

Amit Rohidas (9'), Tom Craig (18'), Paul Philipp Kaufmann (17’), and Selvaraj Kanagaraj (40’) found the net for the Dragons, while Tomas Domene (13', 18'), Ky Willott (38'), and Aditya Lalage (59') scored for the Pipers during regular play.

SG Pipers initiated the contest with a vigorous approach, quickly gaining possession and moving the ball adeptly through midfield. Their efforts resulted in an early circle entry and a penalty corner within the first two minutes, though they could not capitalize on these chances.

Gradually, the Accord Tamil Nadu Dragons found their footing and began launching their own offensive maneuvers, culminating in a penalty corner that skipper Amit Rohidas (9') successfully converted, giving his team an early lead. They almost doubled their advantage shortly after, but a successful review by the Pipers annulled the goal.

Unfazed, SG Pipers pressed on, and their determination bore fruit when Tomas Domene (13') found himself in an ideal position to score, leveling the match at 1-1 as the first quarter concluded.

The second quarter brought dramatic twists, with three goals netted within a mere two minutes. The Tamil Nadu Dragons regained the lead when Paul Philipp Kaufmann (17’) executed a spectacular diving finish. However, SG Pipers quickly responded with a penalty stroke, converted confidently by Tomas Domene (18’) for his second goal of the evening.

The goal frenzy continued as Tom Craig (18’) converted another penalty corner, putting the Dragons back in front. Throughout the first half, SG Pipers maintained pressure with relentless attacks, yet the Dragons’ defense held strong, leading 3-2 at halftime.

The third quarter saw the Tamil Nadu Dragons start on an aggressive note, coming close to extending their lead early on. However, SG Pipers countered effectively, earning a penalty corner that Ky Willott (38’) deftly converted to tie the game again.

Nonetheless, the Dragons swiftly regained the lead with a stunning goal from Selvaraj Kanagaraj (40’), who demonstrated exceptional skill within the circle. Despite another penalty corner awarded to the Pipers shortly after, they failed to score, allowing the Dragons to maintain their 4-3 advantage by the end of the third quarter.

In pursuit of an equalizer during the final quarter, SG Pipers moved the ball swiftly and frequently entered the circle. Their efforts earned them another penalty corner in the 51st minute, but they could not convert.

As the Dragons aimed to regain momentum through sharp offensive plays, the Pipers’ defense remained steadfast. With just over two minutes left, SG Pipers took a calculated risk by pulling their goalkeeper for an extra outfield player. This bold strategy paid off when Aditya Lalage (59’) scored a remarkable goal, leading to a shootout after the match ended in a thrilling 4-4 tie.

During the shootout, SG Pipers successfully converted four of five attempts, benefiting from penalty strokes due to repeated fouls by the Dragons’ goalkeeper, Prince Deep Singh. Nevertheless, the Accord Tamil Nadu Dragons clinched the crucial bonus point by scoring on all five of their shots.