Rourkela, 21 January 2025: The UP Rudras put up a scientific show to cruise to a 2-0 win towards Group Gonasika and climb to the highest of the Hero Hockey India League standings. Targets from Tanguy Cosyns (37’) and Kane Russell (40’) did the trick for the UP Rudras on Tuesday.
The primary quarter was a cagey affair as neither workforce created a transparent goal-scoring alternative. Each made quite a few circle entries however neither discovered the crowning glory because the quarter ended on a goalless be aware.
Group Gonasika gained the primary penalty nook of the match within the 18th minute when Araijeet Hundal discovered an opposition defender’s foot with some intelligent stickwork. Nevertheless, James Mazarelo made a positive save to fend off Victor Charlet’s dragflick and thwart away the hazard.
The UP Rudras, led by Indian ahead Hardik Singh, discovered their footing within the second quarter as they gained 4 penalty corners. The primary one got here after Gurjot Singh raced into the circle and appeared for a go, however gained a penalty nook within the course of. Russel took the drag-flicking duties however discovered no well past a decided Oliver Payne within the Group Gonasika aim.
Payne remained a drive to reckon with between the sticks because the scoreline remained 0-0 on the midway mark. The UP Rudras had three extra penalty corners than Group Gonasika, whereas the latter made extra circle penetrations, however neither workforce discovered the elusive aim.
Group Gonasika had an opportunity to seek out the opener within the thirty third minute when Charlet threaded a superb go into the circle for Amir Ali, who gained a penalty nook after being tripped. Nevertheless, Charlet merely couldn’t get his stick on the ball as he miss-hit the dragflick.
The UP Rudras lastly broke the impasse within the thirty seventh minute by way of a well-worked penalty nook variation. Russel obtained the push and slipped it backwards for Cosyns, who had ample time earlier than unleashing a robust strike that gave the UP Rudras a 1-0 lead. Group Gonasika got here inside inches of equalizing within the subsequent minute however have been undone by an outstanding goal-line save from Floris Wortelboer.
The UP Rudras gained back-to-back penalty corners quickly after on the different finish and the second of these noticed them propel to a 2-0 lead. Russell’s fiery dragflick within the fortieth minute took a spark off goalkeeper Suraj Karkera’s left glove earlier than touchdown up within the web. With a second aim to their identify, the UP Rudras have been firmly answerable for the sport.
They practically had three on the board as James Albery discovered himself in a 1v1 place with simply the goalkeeper to beat within the 57th minute, however Suraj was up to speed this time and did properly to shut down the angle. The UP Rudras’ defence held on for the ultimate quarter-hour to seal a snug 2-0 win, which propelled them to the highest of the factors desk.
Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers face Delhi SG Pipers within the Hockey India League Ladies at 1800hrs, whereas the Delhi SG Pipers tackle JSW Soorma Membership within the Hockey India League Males at 2015 hrs.
The matches shall be broadcast on a number of channels and in a number of languages. The lineup contains the Doordarshan community, together with DD Sports activities, in addition to Sony Sports activities Community – Sony Ten 1, 3, and 4.
For digital audiences, the matches shall be accessible to stream on Sony LIV and Waves, the brand new OTT platform by Prasar Bharati.
