Soorma Hockey Club secured an impressive 5-3 win over Kalinga Lancers in the Men’s Hero Hockey India League 2024-25. The thrilling match unfolded at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela on Monday. This action-packed game highlighted Soorma’s superior strategy and key contributions from their players.
Lancers Take the Early Lead
At the start, Soorma controlled possession and dictated the pace. However, in the 5th minute, Dilpreet Singh struck for the Lancers. He skillfully received the ball near the circle, turned quickly, and fired it past goalkeeper Vincent Vanasch.
Meanwhile, both teams created several opportunities but failed to capitalize. In the final moments of the first quarter, Thierry Brinkman delivered a perfect cross to Rabi, who narrowly missed deflecting the ball into the net. As a result, the Lancers ended the quarter with a 1-0 advantage.
Prabhjot Singh Equalizes for Soorma
As the second quarter began, the Lancers continued their aggressive play. Boby Singh Dhami attempted a shot early on, but it sailed wide. Gradually, Soorma gained momentum and began breaking into the Lancers’ circle more frequently.
Finally, in the 26th minute, Harmanpreet Singh made a pinpoint pass to Prabhjot Singh. Prabhjot timed his run perfectly and deflected the ball past Lancers’ goalkeeper Cotterill Toby Reynolds to equalize. With the score at 1-1, both teams fought hard. Before halftime, the Lancers earned a penalty corner, but Sanjay’s drag-flick was easily saved by Vanasch.
Soorma Dominates the Third Quarter
The game took a decisive turn in the third quarter. Right away, Soorma earned a penalty corner. Captain Harmanpreet Singh unleashed a powerful flick into the top-right corner, giving his team a 2-1 lead in the 32nd minute.
Subsequently, Harmanpreet found Nicolas Keenan with a well-timed pass. Keenan stormed into the circle and scored with a stunning reverse shot, extending Soorma’s lead to 3-1. Although Soorma slowed the tempo to protect their advantage, Kalinga fought back. In the 44th minute, Thierry Brinkman scored from a tight angle, reducing the deficit to 3-2 as the quarter ended.
Late Goals Seal Soorma’s Victory
In the final quarter, both teams intensified their attacks. Early on, the Lancers earned a penalty corner but failed to convert. In response, Soorma launched a swift counterattack. Gurjant Singh delivered a perfect assist to Maninder Singh, who struck a powerful shot into the roof of the net, making it 4-2 in the 51st minute.
Moments later, Soorma earned another penalty corner. Once again, Harmanpreet Singh showcased his brilliance, sending the ball into the bottom-right corner to further extend the lead to 5-2.
Even though the Lancers pushed forward, Soorma’s defense remained resolute. However, in the 56th minute, Thierry Brinkman maneuvered past multiple defenders and set up Gursahibjit Singh for an easy tap-in. This late goal brought the score to 5-3.
In the dying moments, the Lancers earned one last penalty corner. Unfortunately for them, Hendrickx’s shot missed the target. Soorma held on to their lead, securing a well-deserved victory.
Commanding Performance
With a commanding performance, Soorma Hockey Club showcased their skill and strategy, led by Harmanpreet Singh’s exceptional game. Despite Kalinga Lancers’ valiant efforts, Soorma’s attacking precision and defensive strength ensured their success in this high-scoring thriller.
