Ranchi Royals continued their strong run in the Men’s Hero Hockey India League 2025-26 by registering their third straight win. They defeated JSW Soorma Hockey Club 4-1 in their final home game of the season at the Marang Gomke Jagpal Singh Astro Turf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi on Friday.

Tom Boon led the charge with two quick goals in the second quarter, while Manmeet Singh Rai and Mandeep Singh also found the net. The win lifted Ranchi Royals to third place on the league table. For Soorma, Jeetpal scored the only goal, but it came too late to change the outcome.

Soorma Start Bright, Royals Strike First

The match began at a fast pace, with both sides eager to assert early control. JSW Soorma Hockey Club earned a penalty corner within the opening five minutes and went on to win three penalty corners in the first quarter. However, they failed to convert any of them, as Ranchi goalkeeper Suraj Karkera stood firm.

Both teams recorded eight circle entries in the opening quarter. Despite Soorma’s early pressure, it was Ranchi Royals who broke the deadlock. In the 14th minute, a clever deflection from Sam Lane found Manmeet Singh Rai inside the circle. The midfielder reacted quickly and guided the ball into the net, giving the hosts a 1-0 lead against the run of play.

Boon’s Double Puts Royals In Control

After taking the lead, Ranchi Royals grew in confidence and started moving the ball sharply to stretch the Soorma defence. Their pressure paid off in the 20th minute when Tom Boon scored from close range after Lachlan Sharp’s initial attempt fell kindly for him inside the circle.

Just two minutes later, Boon struck again. This time, he converted a penalty corner with a powerful drag-flick to make it 3-0. The Belgian forward’s brace gave Ranchi Royals a commanding advantage and allowed them to head into halftime firmly in control of the match.

Soorma Push After The Break

JSW Soorma Hockey Club saw more of the ball in the second half as they searched for a way back into the contest. They came close to scoring when a goal-bound effort was cleared off the line by Joshua Beltz, preserving Ranchi’s three-goal lead.

Ranchi Royals also created chances in the third quarter, including a shot on target from Sam Lane. However, the hosts were happy to slow the tempo and manage the game, limiting Soorma’s opportunities.

Royals Seal Win In Final Quarter

Ranchi Royals ended any remaining doubt early in the final quarter. Araijeet Singh Hundal played a key role in the 47th minute by setting up Mandeep Singh. Mandeep calmly rounded the Soorma goalkeeper and slotted the ball into the net to make it 4-0.

Soorma continued to attack in the closing minutes and finally got on the scoreboard with eight minutes left. Jeetpal scored in the 52nd minute, but the goal only served as consolation.

Ranchi Royals comfortably saw out the remaining time to complete a convincing 4-1 victory and end their home leg with three consecutive wins.