JSW Soorma Hockey Club defeated Vedanta Kalinga Lancers 5-3 in a high-intensity match at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela. This win earned them three crucial points in the Men’s Hero Hockey India League 2024-25.

Lancers Strike First

At the start of the match, JSW Soorma controlled possession. However, the Vedanta Kalinga Lancers quickly seized an opportunity. In the 5th minute, Dilpreet Singh unleashed a powerful shot, giving the Lancers a 1-0 lead. As the first quarter progressed, the Lancers maintained their momentum. In the final minute of the quarter, Rabi narrowly missed converting a cross from Thierry Brinkman. Consequently, the Lancers ended the first quarter with a slim lead.

Soorma Levels the Score

Moving into the second quarter, the Lancers continued their aggressive play. Boby Singh Dhami attempted a shot early on, but his effort missed the target. Meanwhile, Soorma gradually found their rhythm and began pushing into the Lancers’ circle. Finally, in the 26th minute, Harmanpreet Singh sent a sharp pass to Prabhjot Singh. Prabhjot broke free from his defender and deflected the ball into the net, making it 1-1. As the half drew to a close, the Lancers earned a penalty corner, but Soorma’s defense stood strong, denying any chance of a lead.

Quick Goals Shift Momentum

The third quarter started with a flurry of action. First, Soorma earned a penalty corner in the 32nd minute. Harmanpreet Singh delivered a perfect flick to the top right corner, putting Soorma ahead 2-1. Soon after, Soorma struck again. Nicolas Keenan burst into the circle and smashed a reverse shot into the net, extending the lead to 3-1. Despite Soorma slowing the tempo to maintain their advantage, the Lancers responded in the 44th minute. Thierry Brinkman scored from a tight angle, cutting the deficit to 3-2.

Soorma Secures Victory

In the final quarter, the Lancers pushed hard for an equalizer. They earned an early penalty corner but failed to convert. On the other hand, Soorma capitalized on a counterattack. In the 51st minute, Gurjant Singh delivered a pinpoint pass to Maninder Singh, who slotted the ball into the roof of the net, increasing the lead to 4-2. Afterward, Soorma earned another penalty corner in the 57th minute. Harmanpreet Singh stepped up again and flicked the ball into the bottom right corner, making it 5-2. Although the Lancers pulled one goal back in the 59th minute through Gursahibjit Singh, Soorma defended resolutely in the final moments. Despite the Lancers earning one last penalty corner, they failed to convert, sealing a 5-3 victory for Soorma. With their effective counterattacks and solid defense, JSW Soorma secured a well-deserved win. Their composure and teamwork proved vital in this thrilling encounter.