Delhi SG Pipers’ attacking game enabled it to beat table-topper JSW Soorma Club 2-0 and record its maiden win in the women’s competition of the Hockey India League at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium here on Friday.
Apart from their aggressive frontline, Pipers’ gritty defence was crucial in fetching them three crucial points. Soorma could not make the most of their eight penalty corners as they suffered their first defeat.
Pipers had a better share of ball possession and circle entries as they looked to open the account in the league. Soorma maintained a good structure while focusing on defence.
Pipers threatened the Soorma post with a few attempts, including two penalty corners.
Mumtaz Khan’s solo effort from the right and reverse stick was brilliantly blocked by the experienced Savita Punia under the bar.
Minutes earlier, Soorma had a superb chance when Hina Bano penetrated the circle from the right and ended up earning a penalty corner before it was disallowed following a Pipers’ referral.
Pipers kept up the pressure but Savita stood tall. Finally, Pipers converted their third penalty corner as Sangita Kumari tapped in a deflection in the 25th minute.
The Delhi-based side getting five short corners in the second period spoke about their domination even though it did not reflect in the 1-0 scoreline at the half-time Soorma pressed in the third quarter but could not break Pipers’ one-on-one marking.
Soorma’s Salima Tete, who rushed back from Delhi after receiving the Arjuna Award, shot well from the top of the circle to see it getting blocked.
Cancelled
Soorma secured two successive penalty corners and slotted one from a melee but it was cancelled following a referral in the 43rd minute. A couple of more short corners was also to no avail.
Deepika doubled Pipers’ lead early in the final period. She unleashed a low flick to sound the board off their 10th penalty corner.
Her team controlled the game until the end even as Soorma ejected Savita for nearly last five minutes to apply more pressure.
The result: Delhi SG Pipers 2 (Sangita 25, Deepika 47) bt JSW Soorma Hockey Club 0.
Published - January 17, 2025 11:01 pm IST
