Ranchi Royals Claim Bonus Point in Nail-Biting HIL Shootout
Ranchi Royals emerged victorious in a pulsating Men's Hockey India League encounter on Monday. The match ended 4-4 after four intense quarters at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium. Royals then clinched the bonus point by winning the shootout 4-1 against HIL GC.
Shootout Heroes Seal the Deal
Vishnukant Singh, Sam Lane, Maxime van Oost, and Tom Boon all scored from their attempts in the shootout for the Royals. Goalkeeper Suraj Karkera played a starring role, making crucial saves to limit HIL GC to just one goal. This shootout performance proved decisive.
Back-and-Forth Battle in Regulation
The game was a rollercoaster from the start. Araijeet Singh Hundal opened the scoring for Ranchi Royals in the 19th minute, capitalizing on a rebound. HIL GC equalized through Lalit Kumar Upadhyay in the 25th minute after a penalty corner scramble.
Hundal struck again early in the third quarter, putting Royals ahead 2-1. HIL GC responded quickly. Kane Russell converted a penalty corner to level the score at 2-2. Sudeep Chirmako then gave HIL GC their first lead of the night with a field goal in the 39th minute.
That lead was short-lived. Sam Lane deflected a lofted ball into the net just seconds later, making it 3-3. The drama continued in the final quarter. Lalit Kumar Upadhyay scored his second goal after a Royals defensive error, putting HIL GC ahead 4-3 with seven minutes remaining.
Tom Boon then became the hero for Ranchi Royals. The 2005 FIH World Player of the Year stepped up for a late penalty corner in the 57th minute. He fired a powerful strike into the top right corner, tying the game at 4-4 and forcing the shootout.
Key Moments and Standout Performers
Araijeet Singh Hundal was instrumental for the Royals, scoring two crucial goals. Tom Boon not only scored the late equalizer but also converted his shootout attempt. For HIL GC, Lalit Kumar Upadhyay scored twice, while Kane Russell added a penalty corner goal.
Both goalkeepers made vital saves during regulation. James Mazarelo of HIL GC denied early chances, and Suraj Karkera of the Royals stopped several penalty corner attempts, including key saves from Russell.
Impact on the League Standings
This victory earned Ranchi Royals two important points. It propelled them above HIL GC into second place on the HIL points table. The match showcased high-quality hockey with relentless attacking play from both sides.
The encounter had everything: early chances, penalty corner drama, lead changes, a last-gasp equalizer, and a clinical shootout. Fans at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium witnessed a classic HIL contest that kept everyone on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.
