Ranchi: Agustina Gorzelany (37’) scored the winner as Shrachi Bengal Tigers recorded a 1-0 win over Ranchi Royals in the Women’s Hockey India League here on Sunday.
With this win, the Bengal Tigers moved to the second position in the points table.
The Ranchi Royals came into this contest high on confidence with two consecutive wins and started the game 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 find a way past Jennifer Rizzo in goal for the Tigers.
Playing on the counter attack, the Tigers had a late opportunity of their own before Bichu Devi Kharibam pulled off a couple of sharp saves for the home side towards the end of a stop-start first quarter.
The Tigers steadily grew into confidence in the second quarter, making inroads and putting the Royals’ defence under pressure. They made seven circle penetrations and a couple of penalty corners, attacking in waves in search of the opening goal.
But Madhuri Kindo stayed firm in goal for the hosts though, making crucial saves to keep her side on level terms to end a hard-fought first half with the score at 0-0.
Defending champions Shrachi Bengal Tigers opened their men’s Hockey India League (HIL) campaign with a confident 3-1 victory over JSW Soorma Club here on Sunday.
For the Tigers, Sukhjeet Singh (33th minute), Abhishek (45th) and Gursewak Singh (60th) netted the goals while Prabhjot Singh (54th) pulled one back for Soorma.
The opening quarter was evenly balanced with both teams looking to settle into the contest. Soorma tried to stretch the Tigers’ defence by switching play and using long passes.
The Tigers, on the other hand, relied on quick counter-attacks and aerial balls into the circle.
Despite a few promising moves from Nicolas Poncelet and Tommy Willems, neither side could create a clear-cut chance in the first 15 minutes.