HIL: Tamil Nadu Dragons hands UP Rudras its first loss – Highlights
HALF TIME
We are at the half-time break and the deadlock continues to remain. Both teams have matched each other play for play and it is certainly impossible to pick the better one here.
The Dragons were more in control during the early phase of play, while the Rudras came into their own in the latter part. Both teams have eight circle penetrations apiece and a shot at goal each.
The only difference has been Rudras earning a penalty corner late in the first quarter. But even that was handled rather calmly by the Dragons' defence.
An exciting second half awaits us on the other side of this small break.
Dragons 0-0 Rudras
28' - Rudras growing in confidence
A majority of the action still happening in the midfield, but the Rudras seem to be dictating the play at the moment with occasional run into the circle. However, the Dragons' defence hasn't allowed them an inch.
As I type this, the Dragons come on a run of their own from the left flank and the Rudras are caught by surprise. It requires a special steal from Lalit Kumar Upadhyay deep inside the circle to avert the danger for Rudras.
That was neat and tidy from Upadhyay. Not often do you see him shine in the defence.
Dragons 0-0 Rudras
21' - Good stuff from Rudras
UP Rudras have the possession and they try to build from the back. Just when they pass the 23m line from the centre, they are forced to fall back by some quality defending from the Tamil Nadu Dragons.
The Rudras are happy to do so and try to come in from the right side. A good pass in from Floris Wortelboer, but the Dragons defence is water tight.
Dragons 0-0 Rudras
17' - Good defence from the Rudras
A dangerous move from Tamil Nadu Dragons and goalkeeper James Mazarelo seemed to be in trouble. However, he manages to get the faintest of deflection before the rest of the defence come in to clear the ball away.
That could very well have been the opening goal of the match. Sooo close!
Dragons 0-0 Rudras
END OF FIRST QUARTER!
The clock is ticking down in the first quarter and Manmeet Singh comes rushing in from the right and smartly earns a penalty corner for UP Rudras with just two seconds left.
Sam Ward steps up to take the drag flick for UP Rudras and it is deflected away cleanly by the Tamil Nadu Dragons' defence. There's no time left on the clock for the Rudras to take the long corner.
The players move out and that's the end of the first quarter. An exciting phase of play and there's nothing to separate the two sides – neither on the scorecard nor on the field.
Dragons 0-0 Rudras
13' - Sudev copes a blow
Tamil Nadu Dragons' Thomas Sorsby with a lift and there seems to have been some miscommunication with Abran Sudev. Sorsby's lift hits his teammate, who is not even three metres away from the spot.
Sudev is down in pain, but is okay to get up and move out of the field.
Dragons 0-0 Rudras
11' - A lot of action in the midfield
A lot of action is taking place in the midfield over the last few minutes, but there's no real urgency to press forward from both sides. Both patient and happy to play the ball among themselves before an inevitable turnover happens.
Dragons 0-0 Rudras
8' - SAVE, MAZARELO!
A good aerial ball from the right flank by Tamil Nadu Dragons finds an unmarked forward inside the circle. However, James Mazarelo steps out of the post to cut down the angle even before the forward has the ball in his control.
The shot is deflected away rather easily by the Rudras' goalkeeper.
Dragons 0-0 Rudras
2' - Good defence from Hardik
The UP Rudras are threatening near the circle, but the Tamil Nadu Dragons get a turnover and are off on a counter-attack. They penetrate the circle within the blink of an eye and are in a 4v1 situation.
However, the Rudras defence is quick to fall back and make it difficult for the Dragons. They still haven't taken control of the ball though and it requires a certain Hardik Singh to steal it away from Uttam at the top of the shooting circle.
Dragons 0-0 Rudras
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