In a dramatic turn of events in the women's Hockey India League, the struggling Soorma Hockey Club finally broke their duck, registering a thrilling 2-1 victory over the Ranchi Royals on Monday. The win, their first of the season after four consecutive losses, has major implications for the league standings, effectively ending Ranchi's hopes of a top-two finish and confirming SG Pipers' qualification for the final.
A Dream Start and Stubborn Defence
The match in Ranchi saw Soorma explode off the starting blocks with incredible intensity. They earned two penalty corners within the very first minute of play. On the second attempt, Australian drag-flicker Penny Squibb made no mistake, slotting the ball home to give her side a crucial early lead. Squibb then turned hero at the other end just minutes later, making a spectacular diving goal-line clearance in the fourth minute to preserve Soorma's advantage.
Ranchi Royals, desperate to get back into the contest, dominated possession and territory for much of the first half. They mounted a strong response in the second quarter, registering 11 circle entries and earning three penalty corners. However, a resolute and well-organised Soorma defence, led brilliantly by Squibb and goalkeeper Nidhi—who started in place of Savita Punia—held firm. The visitors managed to take their narrow 1-0 lead into the halftime break.
Royals Fight Back, But Soorma Respond Instantly
The persistence of the Ranchi side finally paid off in the second half. A brilliant solo run from Hannah Cotter carved open the Soorma defence before she set up Agostina Alonso, who fired past Nidhi in the 35th minute to equalise. The home crowd's celebration, however, was short-lived.
Soorma displayed remarkable character to hit back almost immediately. Just four minutes after conceding, they won a penalty stroke. Olivia Shannon stepped up and coolly converted in the 39th minute to restore Soorma's lead at 2-1. The goal proved to be a decisive moment in the match.
A Nervy Finish and Major Standings Shake-up
The final quarter was a tense affair, with Ranchi Royals throwing everything forward in search of another equaliser. Backed by a vocal home crowd, they pinned Soorma deep in their own half, racking up another 11 circle entries. Despite the relentless pressure, Soorma's discipline in their defensive low block was impeccable. They weathered the storm to secure a famous 2-1 victory, their first three points of the campaign.
This result has significant consequences for the league table. The defeat is a second consecutive loss for Ranchi Royals, leaving them in third position with only one match remaining. Their final fixture is against the league-leading SG Pipers. Soorma's win has mathematically confirmed SG Pipers' place in the tournament final, as Royals can no longer finish in the top two. For Soorma, the victory is a massive morale booster, even though they remain out of contention for the final after their slow start to the season.
