HIL: Kalinga Lancers thump Delhi SG Pipers 5-1

Kalinga Lancers delivered a comprehensive 5-1 victory over Delhi Pipers in their Hockey India League (HIL) 2024-25 encounter at the Birsa Munda Stadium, Rourkela, on Thursday.

The Lancers displayed clinical finishing and solid defensive organization throughout the match, securing a crucial win.

The scoring began in the 11th minute with Nicholas Bandurak opening the account for Kalinga.

The Lancers doubled their lead in the 36th minute through Arthur Van Doren, who found the net after a well-placed attack.

Just two minutes later, in the 38th minute, Thierry Brinkman added another, capitalizing on a lapse in the Pipers’ defense.

As the second half kicked off, Brinkman struck again in the 43rd minute to make it 4-0. Gursahibjit Singh completed the Lancers’ clinical display with a fifth goal in the 45th minute, further cementing their dominance.

Delhi Pipers managed a response in the 46th minute when Corey Weyer scored a brilliant solo goal, but it was little more than a consolation as the Pipers couldn’t manage to break down the Lancers’ defense or generate any further scoring chances.

Kalinga Lancers’ attacking power was too much for Delhi to handle, with Brinkman’s brace and a well-rounded team performance propelling them to an important 5-1 victory.

For the Pipers, the defeat highlighted their defensive and finishing woes, leaving them with much to address before their next outing.