In a decisive and high-energy encounter, the Ranchi Royals secured a commendable third-place finish in the Women's Hockey India League. They overpowered the SG Pipers with a convincing 5-2 victory in the playoff match held at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astroturf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi.
Dominant Performance Seals the Victory
The match saw the Ranchi Royals take control early on, setting the pace for the rest of the game. Their offensive strategy paid off handsomely, resulting in a flurry of goals that the SG Pipers struggled to contain. The final scoreline of 5-2 is a clear testament to the Royals' dominance on their home turf during this crucial playoff.
Goal-Scoring Spree and Key Contributors
The goal-fest for the Ranchi Royals was initiated by Jyoti Chhatri, who found the net in the 17th minute, giving her team an early advantage. This was quickly followed by a field goal from Ajmina Kujur in the 22nd minute, doubling their lead and putting significant pressure on the Pipers.
Despite a brief fightback from the SG Pipers, who managed to score through Pragya in the 25th minute, the Royals' momentum was unstoppable. Deepika Soreng extended the lead to 3-1 just before halftime with a successful penalty corner conversion in the 28th minute.
The second half continued in a similar vein. Ajmina Kujur showcased her skill again, scoring her second goal of the match in the 33rd minute with another well-executed penalty corner. Jyoti Chhatri also completed her brace, netting her second goal in the 48th minute to make it 5-1. A late consolation goal from SG Pipers' Pragya in the 58th minute, also her second, did little to change the outcome of the match.
Securing a Podium Finish
This victory was crucial for the Ranchi Royals, as it allowed them to end their campaign in the inaugural Women's Hockey India League on a high note by securing the third position on the podium. The match not only highlighted the team's cohesive attacking play but also underscored the growing competitive spirit and talent pool in women's hockey in India.
The successful hosting of the league and matches like these are significant steps forward for the sport, providing a vital platform for players to showcase their skills at a competitive level. The Royals' emphatic win in front of their home crowd serves as a perfect conclusion to their league journey, setting a positive precedent for future seasons.
