Hockey India League
Ranchi, Jan 11: Jed Snowden came off the bench in the shootout to secure a 3-1 win for the Vedanta Kalinga Lancers against HIL GC after the two teams were locked 1-1 at the end of regulation time in the men’s Hockey India League (HIL) here on Sunday.
Ajeet Yadav (19th) and Alexander Hendrickx (23rd) scored for their respective sides in regulation time at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astro Turf Hockey Stadium.
The shootout was also a tense affair with both goalkeepers standing tall in goal.
After conceding a goal on their respective first attempts, James Mazarelo and Jed Snowden denied the next two takers.
Arthur Van Doren held his nerve for the Lancers before Ajeet Yadav missed for HIL GC, allowing Dilpreet Singh to seal the deal for the Lancers in the shootout.
With that result, the Lancers moved to the top of the table.
The Lancers didn’t concede a single penalty corner throughout the contest.
HIL GC dictated terms in the opening exchanges but couldn’t quite make any significant inroads despite the six circle entries. The Lancers held their shape, registering six circle entries of their own while playing on the counter attack.
They did earn the first real opportunity of the game with a penalty corner, but couldn’t make it count in a goalless first quarter.
HIL GC took the lead from their first attempt on target in the second quarter. Captain Hardik Singh orchestrated the move from midfield, before Ajeet tapped in his effort from close range to break the deadlock.
The Lancers had a couple of shots on goal and six penalty corners in a span of a couple minutes. They eventually found a way past HIL GC goalkeeper James Mazarelo courtesy a powerful dragflick from Hendrickx, levelling the scores at half time.
The Lancers continued to look dangerous and came close to taking the lead through Hendrickx before being denied by James Mazarelo at HIL GC goal.
Heading into the final quarter, the two teams remained relentless in their pursuit in search of a winner. HIL GC only registered three circle entries, while the Lancers managed to register two circle entries in the final quarter.
With neither side mustering an attempt on target, the game had to be decided through a shootout.
Ranchi Royals beat Bengal Tigers 4-1
In the second match of the day, Ranchi Royals made a stunning comeback to beat Shrachi Bengal Tigers 4-1.
Bengal Tigers took the lead in the second quarter through Ketan Kushwaha (26’) and maintained the advantage going into the half-way mark.
A flurry of goals late in the last quarter through Tom Boon (54’and 60’), Mandeep Singh (56’) and Sharp Lachlan (58’) gave Ranchi Royals the win.
With the win, Ranchi Royals claimed the fifth spot in the HIL table. (PTI)
