Heading into this match on the back of back-to-back wins, Royals started the game on the front foot, with their midfield controlling the tempo in the opening exchanges. They had five penalty corners and seven circle penetrations in the first quarter, but couldn’t get past Jennifer Rizzo in the Tigers’ goal. The Tigers played on the counter-attack and had a late chance themselves before Bichu Devi Kharibam pulled off a pair of sharp saves for the home side towards the end of a stop-start first quarter that lasted almost 30 minutes and required numerous video reviews.
Tigers steadily grew into the game in the second quarter, impressing and putting pressure on the Royals defense, albeit briefly. They had seven circle penetrations and a few penalty corners as they attacked in waves in search of the opening goal. However, Madhuri Kindo remained steadfast in goal for the hosts and made crucial saves to keep her side level and end a hard-fought first half with the score at 0-0. Lalremsiami, who otherwise had another fantastic all-round game, should have scored for Tigers late in the first half after forcing a turnover in midfield and creating a 1-on-1 situation, only to put the ball wide as Madhuri reduced the angle.
Royals added some momentum to their attack to start the second half and came close to breaking the deadlock on a few occasions. However, it was the Tigers who ultimately drew first blood through Gorzelany. She converted from a penalty corner, went inside out and beat Bichu on her left, scoring her fourth goal of the season and giving her side a 1-0 lead. The home side looked for a quick response, but couldn’t really find a way to break through the determined and disciplined Tigers defense in the third quarter.
Despite seven circle penetrations and five penalty corners in the final quarter, Royals could not find a breakthrough as the Tigers defense played out the game.
Soorma says goodbye to coach
With their hopes of making the top two officially over, the first edition finalists, Soorma Hockey Club, have announced that they have parted ways with head coach Jude Menezes with immediate effect. Soorma has been winless for four games and has only managed to score one goal.
“Soorma Hockey Club and head coach of the women’s team, Jude Menezes, have jointly decided to part ways with immediate effect, following the team’s commencement of the ongoing Hockey India League in Ranchi,” the club said in a statement.
Menezes is a former India international who now lives in New Zealand. He had coached Soorma to the final in the first season and has also guided Japan to the 2024 Paris Olympics. During this year’s HIL, Soorma was unable to connect the dots. He completed more than 100 circles in four games and scored just one goal from all those attacking efforts. The franchise said former India captain Rani Rampal will take over as coach for the rest of the season.
“The decision has been made in the best interests of the team. The club would like to sincerely thank Jude for his contribution and wish him all the best in his future endeavours. Team mentor Rani Rampal will take over as interim coach of the women’s team for the remainder of the tournament, with the support of the existing staff. Soorma Hockey Club will have no further comment at this time.”
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