Dutch forward Thierry Brinkman struck a brace as Vedanta Kalinga Lancers trounced table topper Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers 6-0 to script its first win in the Hockey India League at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium here on Tuesday.
The host, lying low with just one point so far, bounced back in style after three consecutive defeats to upset the off-colour Tigers, who tasted their first loss, and spread cheers in the stands.
Lancers switched flanks and explored the gaps through their fine distribution to have a stunning start, pumping in three goals within six minutes.
Captain Aran Zalewski sent in a pass from the right to Dilpreet Singh and the Indian crossed it to an unmarked Brinkman on the left to shoot home in the third minute.
Within a minute, Sanjay pounced on a rebound to convert Lancers’ first penalty corner.
Alex Hendrickx used a diagonal angle to convert another short corner before Tigers could get their act together.
In the second quarter, Tigers moved better and closed the gaps to make Lancers work harder. They also threatened the home citadel but could not beat a tight defence, led by an alert Krishan Pathak under the bar.
After missing out on six potential goal-scoring chances, Lancers made it 4-0 on the stroke of half-time when Nicholas Bandurak hit home from Antonie Kina’s pass from the right. The ball got deflected from defender Jasjit Kular’s stick.
Tigers missed a couple of opportunities, including the brilliant run of Sukhjeet Singh and Affan Yousuf in tandem and a penalty corner, as Pathak held his nerve and guarded his post.
Dilpreet spoiled a golden chance for Lancers too.
Lancers displayed some superb counters and extended their lead in the fourth quarter. The ever-active Brinkman traded passes with Bandurak on the left and completed his brace.
Young Boby Singh Dhami made it half a dozen of goals. He spectacularly unleashed a reverse hit from the circle line with his back to the goalpost.
The result: Vedanta Kalinga Lancers 6 (Brinkman 3 & 47, Sanjay 4, Hendrickx 6, Bandurak 29, Dhami 49) bt Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers 0.
Published - January 07, 2025 11:09 pm IST
