Men’s HIL: Kalinga Lancers makes it two in a row

Vedanta Kalinga Lancers has emerged as one of the most dynamic sides in the Hockey India League. Most importantly, the team has risen to the occasion when pushed into a corner, showcasing resilience and composure under pressure.

All these qualities were on display in its 2–1 win over defending champion Shrachi Bengal Tigers at the SDAT–Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium here on Thursday, as Lancers completed its Chennai leg with a perfect record of two wins from two matches.

Tigers, on the other hand, have plenty to introspect after ending the first leg with two losses and just one win.

All three goals came in the last eight minutes of the final quarter. Undoubtedly, Alexander Hendrickx remains the lynchpin for the Lancers. Whenever the team has required his services, the Belgian Olympian has largely delivered

Hendrickx opened the scoring for Lancers with a neat and powerful drag-flick that went past the outstretched left hand of goalkeeper James Carrin. The Belgian Olympian was again in action moments later, only for his drag-flick to be legged away away by Carr.

Within minutes, Tigers found the equaliser when centre-back Tommy Willems’ long ball found Sukhjeet Singh on the left of the goalline.

The forward squared it across the face of goal, where Affan Yousuf reacted quickly to push it home.

Lancers struck decisively with three minutes to go. Hendrickx’s drag-flick was parried by Carr, but Boby Singh Dhami pounced on the rebound to seal the win.

The result: Vedanta Kalinga Lancers 2 (Hendrickx 52-pc, Boby Singh 57-pc) bt Shrachi Bengal Tigers 1 (Affan 56).