HIL: Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers roar back to beat Vedanta Kalinga Lancers 5-3 in a thriller

The Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers claimed a crucial 5-3 victory over Vedanta Kalinga Lancers in a high-scoring, action-packed game in Ranchi, on Friday.

Both teams came into this match with hopes of moving into the top half of the standings, and it was clear from the start that neither side would back down easily.

The game began with intensity, and it was the Lancers who took the early lead through Angad, who scored a penalty corner. However, the Tigers quickly responded with Jugraj, who netted his first of the game from a penalty corner, bringing the score to 1-1. Shortly after, Thierry Brinkman restored the Lancers’ lead, making it 2-1.

As the first half progressed, Rupinder Pal equalized for the Tigers, converting a penalty corner with ease. The game saw more drama when the Tigers, after several penalty corner attempts, took the lead for the first time with Jugraj’s second goal of the match. Abhishek then added a stunning goal from a counter-attack, putting the Tigers 4-2 up at halftime.

The Lancers came out strong in the second half and pulled one back through Alexander Hendrickx, who converted a penalty corner, narrowing the score to 4-3. However, despite their attacking efforts, the Lancers couldn’t break down the Tigers’ solid defense.

As the match entered the final minutes, the Lancers pulled their goalkeeper in a last-ditch effort to find an equalizer. However, the Tigers remained resilient, defending well under pressure. Pardeep, whose earlier goal had been initially credited to another player, sealed the win for the Tigers with a final strike, making it 5-3.

In the end, the Tigers held on to their 5-3 lead, securing an important win. Jugraj’s two goals, alongside contributions from Phil Roper, Abhishek, and Pardeep, proved decisive.

Despite strong performances from Thierry Brinkman and Hendrickx, the Lancers fell short in their comeback attempt.