HIL Highlights: UP Rudras beats Kalinga Lancers – Updates, Results, Scores, Blog

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That's all we have from the Hockey India League tonight. The UP Rudras came from behind to move to the top of the points table after first round of play with a two-goal win over the Kalinga Lancers.

It was a match of two halves. While the Lancers dominated the first two quarters, the Rudras came back as a completely different outfit in the third and fourth quarters.

The Rudras scored thrice, but a lot of the credit for this win should go to James Mazarelo, who was an absolute rock in front of the goal. 

Thank you for joining into our coverage. See you tomorrow, with yet another exciting match.

It's @UPRudras' Kiwi defender Kane Russell who grabs a brace as they come from behind to win against @KalingaLancers in the #HockeyIndiaLeague ✌️🏑@TheHockeyIndia @HockeyIndiaLeag pic.twitter.com/w7Pxrn5mCw

— The Bridge (@the_bridge_in) December 30, 2024

James Mazarelo is the Player of the Match

As expected, UP Rudras goalkeeper James Mazarelo is the Player of the Match.

"Great defensive show from the boys," he says. "Good to get in a couple of goals as well. It helps when you give away just one corner [on having to tackle Hendrickx's dragflicks]."

FULL TIME!

That also brings an end to this match. The UP Rudras, after looking completely out of sorts in the first half, walk away with an outright win. That's three points in the bag and they will also move to the top of the table with a better goal difference.

Kane Russell scored a brace for the Rudras, but they have James Mazarelo to thank for the countless saves he made tonight.

Spare a thought for the Kalinga Lancers, who after dominating for most of the first half have now to return back empty handed.

Rudras 3-1 Lancers

60' - KANE RUSSELL SCORESS!

Easy peasy for Kane Russell with no goalkeeper to beat. The ball slots in to the net and the firecrackers go off at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium.

The UP Rudras have just come from behind to beat Kalinga Lancers and silence the home crowd. 

Rudras 3-1 Lancers

60' - PC, RUDRAS!

Good defence from UP Rudras as they intercept cleanly inside the circle. The clearance turns into a counter attack, thanks to Hardik and they have earned a PC out of it with eight seconds left on clock.

REMEMBER, THE LANCERS ARE WITHOUT A GOALKEEPER.

59' - Time running out for Lancers

Time is running out quickly for the Kalinga Lancers. Just over a minute left and they have a freehit right outside the circle. Nothing they could make out of it though.

Rudras 2-1 Lancers

57' - Lancers call off Phatak

With just over three minutes left, the Kalinga Lancers have called off Krishan Bahadur Phatak. They have pulled out their goalkeeper and are now playing with 11 outfield players. 

The Lancers are desperate for a goal here.

Rudras 2-1 Lancers

54' - Some urgency from the Lancers

A bit of urgency shown now by the Kalinga Lancers as one would expect. They enter the circle from the left, but it is just near impossible to get the ball past James Mazarelo tonight.

Another good save from the British goalkeeper.

Rudras 2-1 Lancers

WATCH: Kane Russell's dragflick which helped Rudras level