In a crucial Women's Hockey India League (HIL) encounter, the Shrachi Bengal Tigers climbed to the second position in the standings after edging out the Ranchi Royals with a narrow 1-0 victory. The match, held on Sunday at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astro Turf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi, was decided by a solitary goal from the prolific Agustina Gorzelany.
Tigers Avenge Previous Defeat with Gritty Win
The result marked a significant turnaround for the Tigers, who suffered a heavy 0-5 defeat against the same opponents in their previous meeting. The Royals, entering the match on a winning streak, dominated the early exchanges. Their midfield controlled the tempo, earning five penalty corners and seven circle penetrations in the first quarter alone. However, Tigers' goalkeeper Jennifer Rizzo stood firm, denying all attempts.
The game's opening quarter was extended to nearly 30 minutes due to multiple video referrals. Royals' custodian Bichu Devi Kharibam also made sharp saves to keep the scoreline level. The Tigers found their rhythm in the second quarter, mounting pressure with seven circle entries and two penalty corners, but Madhuri Kindo in the Royals' goal made crucial interventions.
Lalremsiami missed a golden opportunity for the Tigers just before halftime, failing to convert a one-on-one chance after a midfield turnover. The deadlock was finally broken in the 37th minute. From a penalty corner, Argentine drag-flicker Agustina Gorzelany executed a perfect inside-out flick, beating Bichu Devi to her left. This was Gorzelany's fourth goal of the season and proved to be the match-winner.
Royals' Late Onslaught Thwarted by Disciplined Defence
The home team pushed hard for an equalizer in the final quarter, unleashing seven circle penetrations and earning five more penalty corners. Despite the relentless pressure, the Tigers' defence, organized and resolute, held firm to secure the three points and a clean sheet. The victory solidified the Tigers' position near the top of the HIL table.
Soorma Hockey Club and Coach Jude Menezes Part Ways
In a separate but significant development from the league, the Soorma Hockey Club announced they have mutually parted ways with head coach Jude Menezes with immediate effect. The decision comes after a disappointing start to the season for the first edition's finalists, who are currently winless in four matches and have managed to score only one goal.
The club released a statement confirming the move, stating it was taken in the team's best interests. They thanked Menezes, a former India international and New Zealand resident, for his contributions. Menezes had guided Soorma to the final in the inaugural season and also coached the Japanese women's team to qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Despite creating over 100 circle entries across four matches, Soorma's inability to convert chances led to this managerial change. The franchise confirmed that former Indian captain Rani Rampal, who is the team mentor, will take over as the interim coach for the remainder of the tournament, supported by the existing staff.
With their hopes of finishing in the top two now mathematically over, Soorma will look to Rampal to inspire a turnaround in their remaining fixtures of the Hockey India League.
