Argentine star Agustina Gorzelany proved to be the match-winner on Sunday, scoring the only goal of the game to lead Shrachi Bengal Tigers to a narrow 1-0 victory over Ranchi Royals. The crucial Women's Hockey India League (WHIL) encounter took place at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astro Turf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi.
Gorzelany's Penalty Corner Precision
The decisive moment arrived seven minutes into the third quarter. Agustina Gorzelany stepped up for her team's fourth penalty corner of the match and unleashed a powerful drag-flick. She sent the ball speeding down the right side of the goal, beating Royals' goalkeeper Bichu Devi Kharibam, who got a hand to it but could not keep it out. This marked Gorzelany's fourth goal of the tournament, all coming from penalty corner situations.
Royals' Frustration and Goalkeeping Heroics
Despite the final scoreline, the Ranchi Royals were the dominant force in the opening period. They created five penalty corners and made seven circle penetrations in the first quarter alone but failed to convert any of their chances. Their goalkeeper, Jennifer Rizzo, was instrumental in keeping the score level during this phase with some splendid saves.
After halftime, the momentum shifted. Bengal Tigers began to control the game and put the Royals' defence under sustained pressure. The home side's goalkeeper, Madhuri Kindo, then took centre stage with a series of impressive stops. She twice denied the dangerous Lalremsiami, first with a reflex save from close range and then by rushing out to force a miss in a one-on-one situation.
Table Implications and Final Drama
The solitary goal was enough for Bengal Tigers to secure their second win in regular time this season. This important result lifts them to second place in the WHIL table with eight points from four matches. The Ranchi Royals remain in third position with six points from the same number of games.
The final quarter saw the Royals launch an all-out attack in search of an equaliser. Their efforts almost bore fruit in the dying minutes when Albela Rani Toppo found the back of the net, but the goal was disallowed. The Royals could not challenge the decision via a video referral as too much time had elapsed. The Bengal Tigers held firm to clinch the win, successfully avenging their heavy 0-5 defeat to the Royals earlier in the competition.
The Ranchi Royals will aim for a quick turnaround when they face Soorma Hockey Club on Monday, while the Bengal Tigers will look to build on this momentum in their upcoming fixtures.
