Vedanta Kalinga Lancers made a powerful start to the Bhubaneswar leg of the Men’s Hero Hockey India League 2025-26. They thrashed SG Pipers 6-1 at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium on Saturday. With this result, the Lancers extended their winning streak to five matches and continued to look like the strongest side of the season.

Boby Singh Dhami won the Player of the Match award for his sharp playmaking and constant pressure on the Pipers’ defence. Cooper Burns scored twice in the 8th and 23rd minutes. Alexander Hendrickx also struck two goals in the 39th and 56th minutes. Craig Marais found the net in the 10th minute, while Angad Singh added another in the 54th. KY Williot scored the only goal for SG Pipers.

Early dominance puts Lancers in control

The match began with the Lancers dominating possession and moving the ball smoothly across the field. Their control paid off early. In the 8th minute, Cooper Burns opened the scoring with a calm finish to put his team ahead.

Just two minutes later, a quick and neat passing move helped Craig Marais double the lead. SG Pipers responded immediately. In the 11th minute, captain Jarmanpreet Singh set up KY Williot, who finished well to reduce the gap to 2-1.

The Pipers earned a late penalty corner in the first quarter, but the Lancers defended strongly to keep their lead intact at the break.

Burns strikes again as Pathak stands tall

SG Pipers started the second quarter with attacking intent and searched hard for an equaliser. However, the Lancers’ defence stayed solid, with goalkeeper Krishan Pathak playing a key role.

In the 23rd minute, the Lancers took advantage of a quick turnover. The ball reached Cooper Burns, who scored his second goal to make it 3-1. Soon after, the Pipers earned four penalty corners in a row. Still, Pathak produced a series of brilliant saves to deny them and ensured the score remained unchanged at halftime.

Hendrickx extends the gap after halftime

The Pipers continued to push forward in the third quarter but found it difficult to break through the disciplined Lancers’ backline. In the 39th minute, the Lancers won a penalty corner following a strong attacking move.

Alexander Hendrickx stepped up and unleashed his trademark "bullet" drag-flick to stretch the lead to 4-1. Later in the quarter, Williot tried to revive the Pipers’ hopes with a sharp run into the circle, but Pathak once again made a crucial save.

Clinical finish seals big win

The final quarter saw a composed and professional display from the league leaders. SG Pipers missed a clear tap-in chance in the 52nd minute, which proved costly.

Two minutes later, Angad Singh made it 5-1 with a well-placed goal. The pressure continued, and in the 56th minute, Hendrickx converted another penalty corner to complete the 6-1 rout.

Lancers stay top as next matches await

This emphatic victory keeps Vedanta Kalinga Lancers firmly at the top of the HIL standings. The tournament action continues on Sunday. SG Pipers will face Shrachi Bengal Tigers at 5:00 PM, followed by the Lancers’ clash against Accord Tamil Nadu Dragons at 7:30 PM.