HIL: Dominant Gonasika secure resounding win against Tamil Nadu Dragons

Team Gonasika triumphed over league leaders Tamil Nadu Dragons in the Hockey India League match at Rourkela, on Saturday. 

Gonasika won the match 4-2 thanks to a dominant performance over TN Dragons, who looked out of sorts on the night. 

With this defeat, the top of the HIL standings is opened up, with second-placed UP Rudras trailing by just two with a game in hand. 

Dominant right from the get go

Team Gonasika was on the money from kickoff, putting TN Dragons under pressure. 

They maintained the ball and circulated it well, but were unable to create chances initially. 

Tamil Nadu Dragons though, sustained the initial wave and then drew first blood from the PC, thanks to a superb drag flick from skipper Amit Rohidas in the eighth minute. 

Right at the end of the first quarter, Araijeet Singh pulled Gonasika back on level terms with a sublime and powerful hit. 

After a goalless second quarter, Gonasika once again were on the front foot, and in the 45th minute, Gonasika converted their PC thanks to Jack Waller's deflection from Mandeep Singh. 

With the lead in hand, Gonasika did not stop there and scored two more goals, thanks to Tim Howard and Nikkin Thimmaiah in the 50th and 51st minute, respectively. 

Although the Dragons made it 4-2 in the 56th minute courtesy of Tom Craig's goal, the result was a foregone conclusion. 

Gonasika's position in the table remains the same at seventh, with 10 points secured in nine matches.