Jugraj Singh’s two goals powered the Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers to a remarkable 5-3 comeback win against the Kalinga Lancers in the Men’s Hero Hockey India League 2024-25 on Friday. This victory not only avenged their earlier loss to the Lancers but also showcased the Tigers’ resilience and determination.
Lancers Strike First
The Kalinga Lancers took an early lead in the fifth minute. Arthur van Doren’s drag flick hit the post, and Aran Zalewski pounced on the rebound. He found Angad Bir Singh unmarked, who calmly tapped the ball in for a 1-0 advantage.
Jugraj Levels the Game
The Tigers responded swiftly in the 10th minute. They earned a penalty corner, and Jugraj Singh’s powerful drag flick left goalkeeper Krishan Pathak helpless, equalizing at 1-1.
However, the Lancers struck back immediately. Thierry Brinkman exchanged passes with Antoine Kina and finished brilliantly to make it 2-1 in the 11th minute. This marked Brinkman’s ninth goal of the season, strengthening his position at the top of the scoring charts.
Tigers Take Charge in the Second Quarter
In the second quarter, the Tigers came out roaring. They earned three quick penalty corners, and Rupinder Pal Singh converted the third with a thunderous drag flick, leveling the score at 2-2.
With momentum on their side, the Tigers kept attacking. In the 27th minute, Jugraj struck again, firing a drag flick through the legs of the rusher to give his team a 3-2 lead.
Just before halftime, Sam Lane made an electrifying run down the right flank. His precise pass found Abhishek, who scored with only three seconds left in the quarter. The Tigers went into halftime with a commanding 4-2 lead.
Lancers Fight Back: A Glimmer of Hope
After the break, the Lancers showed renewed determination. In the 33rd minute, Alexander Hendrickx scored with a well-placed drag flick, narrowing the deficit to 4-3.
Securing the Victory: Tigers Strike Again
The Tigers quickly restored their two-goal lead. In the 40th minute, Yogesh Singh delivered a pinpoint cross into the circle. Pardeep Singh Sandhu skillfully deflected the ball into the net from a tight angle, making it 5-3.
Final Push: Lancers Fall Short
The Lancers threw everything they had in the final quarter. Gursahibjit Singh missed a crucial chance from Angad’s pass. James Carr made two spectacular saves to deny Thierry Brinkman and keep the Tigers’ lead intact.
Despite their relentless efforts, the Lancers could not break through the Tigers’ solid defense. The Bengal Tigers held firm, capping off a well-deserved comeback victory.
Key Performances
- Jugraj Singh’s Brilliance: His two drag-flick goals were pivotal in the Tigers’ victory.
- Rupinder Pal Singh’s Impact: His equalizer energized the team at a crucial moment.
- Resilient Defense: James Carr and the defenders kept the Lancers at bay in the dying minutes.
With this remarkable win, the Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers have sent a strong message to their rivals in the Men’s Hockey India League.