HIL: Tamil Nadu Dragons consolidate top position with win over Delhi SG Pipers

Tamil Nadu Dragons held their nerves to clinch a 3-2 thrilling win over Delhi SG Pipers in the 2024-25 Men's Hockey India League at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium on Monday.

Experienced goalie David Harte remained the cynosure of Dragons' defence while goals by Jip Janssen (6'), Nathan Ephraums (19'), and Blake Govers (21') ensured Dragons a well-deserved win that took them to the top of the pool standings.

For the Pipers', Tomas Domene (2', 37') was the only one to get his name on the goal sheet.

Earlier in the first quarter, it was the Delhi SG Pipers who got off to a rollicking start with an opening goal in only the second minute of the match.

It was a penalty corner superbly converted by Domene. He picked up a fine injection to fiercely flick the ball past the experienced Harte.

Unfortunately for them, a defensive error saw them concede a penalty corner in the sixth minute and lose the 1-0 lead.

Jip Janssen showcased great form to convert from the penalty corner, finding the centre of the net, giving little chance for Pipers' defenders to stop him. This was Janssen's fifth goal of the league.

It took little time for the Tamil Nadu Dragons, who have been in great nick in the league so far, to take the lead in the second quarter.

In the 19th minute, Ephraums struck a splendid field goal fetching his team a 2-1 lead while Govers struck another brilliant field goal in the 21st minute. The game catapulted in Dragons' favour in a span of just two minutes.

But the Pipers bounced back in the third quarter when a crucial video referral went in their favour with the third umpire awarding them a penalty stroke.

Tomas, taking the strike, made no mistake in putting this past Harte narrowing the goal deficit to 2-3. The following few minutes saw both teams trade penalty corners but their could convert.

The final quarter was intense with the Pipers' pushing to equalise while Dragons dearly held on to their 3-2 lead. A good video referral by the Pipers saw them win their fifth PC of the match in the 49th minute.

Tomas taking charge of the drag flick did well with a powerful strike but Harte was excellent at the goalpost. Even though Jarmanpreet picked up the rebound from Harte's save, he could not put it past him, missing out on a golden chance to equalise.

With a little over four minutes left, Pipers won another penalty corner. Despite a re-award, they couldn't make the most of it.

Whetton fetched a crucial penalty corner for the Pipers in the 57th minute. But the chance went begging with Harte standing tall of Dragons' defence and deservedly won the Player of the match award.