HIL GC defeated Shrachi Bengal Tigers 6–3 in an exciting Men’s Hero Hockey India League 2025–26 match on Wednesday. The game took place at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium in Chennai.

Kane Russell led the charge with a hat-trick, scoring in the 19th, 36th, and 44th minutes. Sam Ward, Sudeep Chirmako, and James Albery also found the net for HIL GC. For the Tigers, captain Jugraj Singh, Tom Grambusch, and Christopher Ruhr scored the goals.

Tight Start and Early Tigers Lead

Both teams began cautiously. The midfield battle stayed intense in the opening minutes.

HIL GC created the first clear chance in the 11th minute. Sudeep Chirmako sent a sharp pass to Ajeet Yadav on the left. Yadav shot from a tight angle, but the ball struck the post.

In the same minute, the Tigers earned four penalty corners in a row. HIL GC defended well but conceded a penalty stroke. Captain Jugraj Singh converted it in the 12th minute, sending goalkeeper James Mazarelo the wrong way.

HIL GC came close again in the 14th minute. Sam Ward attempted a first-time shot, but the ball hit the post.

HIL GC Turn the Game Around

The second quarter changed the match. HIL GC scored twice in quick succession in the 19th minute.

First, Kane Russell sent a long ball into the circle. Sam Ward got a slight touch and scored the equaliser. Moments later, HIL GC earned a penalty corner. Kane Russell converted it with a powerful drag-flick to put his team ahead.

The Tigers pushed back late in the half. In the 28th minute, Sukhjeet Singh made a strong run through the middle and fired a backhand shot. The ball hit the crossbar. Despite creating several chances, the Tigers still trailed 2–1 at halftime.

Russell and Chirmako Extend the Lead

HIL GC continued their momentum after the break. Five minutes into the third quarter, they won another penalty corner. Kane Russell stepped up again and scored to extend the lead.

In the 38th minute, HIL GC struck from open play. Sudeep Chirmako finished neatly from a tight angle to give his side a three-goal cushion.

Tigers Fight Back, Russell Responds

The Tigers refused to give up. They scored twice in the 40th minute to reduce the gap. Tom Grambusch converted a penalty corner. Soon after, Christopher Ruhr reacted quickly to a rebound and tapped the ball into an open goal.

HIL GC responded swiftly. In the 44th minute, they earned another penalty corner. Kane Russell converted it to complete his hat-trick and restore control for his team.

Late Push Falls Short

In the 49th minute, the Tigers earned another penalty corner. Jugraj Singh fired his drag-flick, but James Mazarelo made a strong save.

With time running out, the Tigers replaced their goalkeeper with an extra outfield player. They earned two late penalty corners in the 58th minute but failed to score.

HIL GC sealed the win in the 59th minute. James Albery dribbled past the Tigers’ defence from the right and tapped the ball into an empty net. With no goalkeeper to stop him, he confirmed a 6–3 victory for HIL GC.