Soorma Hockey Club secured a 2-2 (3-1 SO) victory over Delhi SG Pipers in the Hero Hockey India League 2024-25 at Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium, Rourkela, on Monday. The match ended in a thrilling penalty shootout, with Soorma coming out on top.
Delhi SG Pipers Take the Lead
Initially, Soorma controlled the ball slightly better, but Delhi SG Pipers were quick to breach Soorma’s shooting circle. Although Jake Whetton’s shot was off target, the Pipers quickly earned a penalty corner. However, Tomas Domene’s flick was easily blocked by Soorma’s goalkeeper, Nicolas Della Torre.
As the first quarter progressed, Maninder Singh managed Soorma’s only shot on target. He entered the shooting circle but his attempt was comfortably saved by Benjamin Rennie, the Pipers’ goalkeeper.
Second Quarter – No Goals
The second quarter began with the Pipers earning another penalty corner. Again, Domene’s drag flick was saved by Vanasch. Soorma, opting for a half-court press, allowed the Pipers to make frequent attacks, but they couldn’t create any clear-cut chances. With three minutes remaining, Raj Kumar Pal tried a reverse shot from a tight angle, but Vanasch was alert and made the save. As a result, the score remained 0-0 at halftime.
Delhi SG Pipers Score Twice in the Third Quarter
At the start of the third quarter, Shamsher Singh attempted a shot from an aerial pass, but it struck the post. Five minutes into the quarter, Soorma earned their first penalty corner, but Della Torre’s flick was deflected out by the Pipers’ defense.
Despite this, Delhi SG Pipers didn’t lose focus. Ky Willot found Domene on the right wing, who beat his marker and slotted the ball through Vanasch’s legs to give the Pipers the lead. With just a minute remaining in the quarter, Jake Whetton sent a cross into the circle, and Manjeet Singh dived to deflect it into the roof of the net, extending their lead to 2-0.
Soorma Fights Back in the Final Quarter
However, Soorma came out strong in the final quarter, determined to level the score. They applied pressure on the Pipers’ defense, earning a penalty corner. Harmanpreet Singh stepped up and fired the ball through Rennie’s legs, pulling Soorma back to 2-1.
Soorma continued to press, and with four minutes remaining, they earned another penalty corner. Harmanpreet once again converted, placing the ball into the bottom corner and bringing the score to 2-2.
Penalty Shootouts Decide the Winner
The match was ultimately decided by penalty shootouts. In the shootout, Soorma’s Vivek Sagar Prasad, Nicolas Keenan, and Boris Burkhardt each found the back of the net. Meanwhile, goalkeeper Vincent Vanasch saved three of the Pipers’ attempts, ensuring a 3-1 shootout win for Soorma Hockey Club.
As a result, Soorma claimed victory and earned the bonus point.
