Rourkela, 08/01/2025: The Vedanta Kalinga Lancers stunned the Hero Hockey India League (HIL) 2024-25 with a spectacular 6-0 victory over the Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers on Tuesday at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela. This emphatic win, the Lancers’ first of the season, not only boosted their campaign but also moved them up to fifth place in the league standings, signaling a turning point for the team.
The Bengal Tigers, who had been unbeaten and were leading the table, entered the match as clear favourites. However, the Lancers came out with an aggressive and disciplined approach, taking control right from the first whistle. The scoring blitz began in the third minute when Thierry Brinkman netted the opening goal following a precise assist from Dilpreet Singh. Minutes later, Sanjay converted a rebound to extend the lead to 2-0. The onslaught continued with Alexander Hendrickx scoring a third goal through a flawless drag flick, leaving the Tigers stunned within just six minutes of play.
Despite holding possession, the Tigers struggled to create clear-cut chances. Their best opportunity came early in the first quarter when Sukhjeet Singh threatened the Lancers’ defense, but a combination of solid defending and clinical goalkeeping kept them at bay. Krishan Pathak, the Lancers’ goalkeeper, proved to be a wall between the posts, making crucial saves on penalty corner attempts from Jugraj Singh and Rupinder Pal Singh. Even a near miss from Dilpreet Singh hitting the post could not shift momentum away from the home team.
The Lancers maintained their attacking intensity in the second half. In the 29th minute, Nicolas Bandurak extended the lead to 4-0 by redirecting a perfect pass from Brinkman. Brinkman then scored his second goal of the match in the 47th minute, skillfully running along the goal line before slotting the ball past the Bengal goalkeeper. The scoring spree concluded when Boby Singh Dhami netted the sixth goal with a powerful strike from the edge of the circle, sealing the dominant victory.
Throughout the match, the Lancers’ defensive unit remained tight, denying the Tigers any opportunities to get back into the game. Pathak’s exceptional saves ensured that the Lancers’ goal remained untouched, reinforcing their solid performance in all areas of the field.
While this defeat did not affect the Bengal Tigers’ top position in the standings, it served as a wake-up call for the leaders, highlighting the need for sharper execution and better finishing. For the Kalinga Lancers, however, the victory is a morale booster, showing that with focus, determination, and teamwork, they can challenge even the strongest opponents. The team will now look to build on this performance and maintain momentum in their upcoming fixtures.
