HIL 2024-25: Tamil Nadu Dragons triumph over Delhi SP Pipers with a 3-2 victory
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Synopsis
On January 13, 2024, at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium, the Tamil Nadu Dragons secured a thrilling 3-2 win against the Delhi SG Pipers, showcasing impressive teamwork and resilience. Veteran goalkeeper David Harte's performance was crucial in this exciting Men's Hockey India League match.
Key Takeaways
- Tamil Nadu Dragons reclaim top position
- Strong performance by David Harte
- Jip Janssen scores fifth goal
- Pipers convert a penalty stroke
- Intense final moments with missed opportunities
Rourkela, Jan 13 (NationPress) Tamil Nadu Dragons displayed remarkable composure to secure a 3-2 victory over Delhi SG Pipers at the Men's Hockey India League (HIL) held at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium on Monday.
The standout performer for the Dragons was veteran goalkeeper David Harte, whose exceptional skills were pivotal in the team's defense. Goals from Jip Janssen (6'), Nathan Ephraums (19'), and Blake Govers (21') secured the Dragons a well-earned triumph, propelling them to the top of the pool standings. For the Pipers, Tomas Domene (2', 37') was the only player to score.
In the opening quarter, it was the Delhi SG Pipers who surged ahead with an impressive initial goal just two minutes into the match, thanks to a superbly executed penalty corner by Tomas Domene.
However, a defensive blunder led to a penalty corner for the Dragons in the 6th minute, allowing Jip Janssen to level the score with a powerful conversion, marking his fifth goal of the league.
The Tamil Nadu Dragons quickly took control in the second quarter, with Nathan Ephraums scoring a brilliant field goal in the 19th minute to give his team a 2-1 lead, followed by another exquisite field goal from Blake Govers just two minutes later.
The Pipers fought back in the third quarter, benefiting from a crucial video referral that resulted in a penalty stroke, successfully converted by Tomas Domene, narrowing the deficit to 2-3. The remaining minutes saw both teams exchange penalty corners without further scoring.
In the intense final quarter, the Pipers pushed hard for an equalizer, but David Harte stood firm, earning the Player of the Match award for his outstanding goalkeeping.
