Women's HIL: Bengal Tigers secures maiden win of the season against Delhi Pipers

The Rarh Bengal Tigers secured a 1-0 win against Delhi SG Pipers in the Women's Hockey India League, in Ranchi on Tuesday. 

A 23rd-minute winner from Kathyrn Mullan was enough to secure the Tigers their first win of the season, following a defeat in their opening fixture against Soorma Hockey Club. 

With two defeats in two matches, Delhi sits in a precarious position, and its hopes of lifting the inaugural title already looking bleak. 

A cagey start but Bengal finds a way through 

The match began with Bengal Tigers on the front foot in the opening minutes, making circle entries but Delhi defended resolutely, and then as the quarter progressed, started sustaining more possession and ended the quarter strongly. 

Similar to the first quarter, Delhi were having the ball but the Tigers looked ominous on the counter, and in the 23rd minute, it was a counter-attack that led to the goal. 

Hannah Cotter released Kathryn Mullan through on goal who had a clear run down the left, and she dribbled the ball into the circle and as the Delhi keeper stormed forward, hit it to her left and into the net, making it 1-0 for the Bengal Tigers. 

For the remainder of the first half, Bengal were in control and went into halftime as the happier of the two sides. 

Chances squandered

Delhi stormed into the match in the second half, putting a lot of pressure on the Bengal defence and winning multiple penalty corners but to its dismay, its execution of the PCs left a lot to be desired. 

As many as 11 PCs were squandered by the Pipers, a combination of poor execution and brilliant defending and goalkeeping by the Bengal Tigers. 

In the end, the Bengal Tigers emerged victorious, taking home all the points and opening its account in the tournament. 

They will face Odisha Warriors next on January 16, whereas Delhi Pipers will face Soorma Hockey Club on 17th January.