Jugraj Singh led Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers to a crucial 5-3 victory over Vedanta Kalinga Lancers in the Men’s Hero Hockey India League 2024-25 on Friday in Ranchi. He scored twice from penalty corners, helping his team secure the win. The Tigers’ goals came from Jugraj (10th, 27th minutes), Rupinder Pal Singh (16th), Abhishek (30th), and Pardeep Singh Sandhu (40th). In response, Kalinga Lancers scored through Angad Bir Singh (5th), Thierry Brinkman (11th), and Alexander Hendrickx (33rd). As a result, Bengal Tigers moved to third place with 15 points from eight games. Meanwhile, Kalinga Lancers sit in sixth place with 12 points from nine matches.

Kalinga Lancers Strike First

Kalinga Lancers took an early lead in the 5th minute. After Arthur van Doren’s drag flick hit the post, Aran Zalewski quickly found Angad Bir Singh. Singh calmly tapped the ball into the net for a 1-0 advantage.

Score Level

However, the Tigers responded swiftly. In the 10th minute, they earned a penalty corner. Jugraj Singh stepped up and fired a powerful drag flick, leaving goalkeeper Krishan Pathak helpless to make it 1-1.

Lancers Respond Immediately

Just one minute later, Kalinga Lancers regained the lead. Thierry Brinkman exchanged passes with Antoine Kina and finished with a brilliant shot, putting the Lancers ahead 2-1.

Bengal Tigers Take Control in the Second Quarter

The Tigers came out strong in the second quarter. They earned three quick penalty corners, and Rupinder Pal Singh converted the third with a thunderous drag flick, leveling the score at 2-2. With momentum on their side, the Tigers continued to attack. In the 27th minute, Jugraj Singh scored again, this time a drag flick through the legs of a rusher to give the Tigers a 3-2 lead. Just before halftime, Sam Lane made a brilliant run down the right flank and passed the ball to Abhishek, who scored with only three seconds left in the quarter. The Tigers went into halftime leading 4-2.

Kalinga Lancers Narrow the Gap

After the break, Kalinga Lancers showed renewed determination. In the 33rd minute, Alexander Hendrickx scored a well-placed drag flick, cutting the Tigers’ lead to 4-3.

Bengal Tigers Secure the Victory

The Tigers quickly responded to restore their two-goal lead. In the 40th minute, Yogesh Singh delivered a pinpoint cross, and Pardeep Singh Sandhu deflected it into the net, making it 5-3.

Lancers’ Final Push Falls Short

In the final quarter, the Lancers pressed hard for another goal. Gursahibjit Singh missed a golden chance from Angad’s pass, and James Carr made two crucial saves to deny Thierry Brinkman. Despite their best efforts, Kalinga Lancers could not break through the Tigers’ defense.

Key Performances

Jugraj Singh’s two goals were vital to the Tigers’ success. Rupinder Pal Singh’s timely penalty corner goal was crucial. James Carr and the defense held firm in the final moments. As a result, Bengal Tigers earned a well-deserved victory. They will next play JSW Soorma Hockey Club on January 29, while Kalinga Lancers will face the same opponents on January 27.