Shrachi Bengal Tigers delivered a strong statement with a 5-3 victory over Accord Tamil Nadu Dragons in the ongoing Men's Hero Hockey India League 2025-26. The match took place on Tuesday at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Hockey Stadium in Ranchi.

This win came at a crucial stage for the defending champions. The Tigers began the match placed seventh in the pool table. However, the three points pushed them up to fourth position and kept their qualification hopes firmly alive.

Jugraj Singh Shines With Season’s First Hat-Trick

Jugraj Singh was the star of the night as he scored his first hat-trick of the season. He became only the second player to score a hat-trick in this edition of the league. Kane Russell from HIL GC remains the only other player to achieve the feat, with three hat-tricks so far.

Along with Jugraj’s three goals, Sukhjeet Singh and Abhishek also found the net for the Tigers. For the Dragons, Adrohit Ekka, Thomas Sorsby, and Blake Govers were the scorers, but their efforts were not enough to stop the Tigers.

Fast Start Gives Tigers Early Control

The Tigers began the match with attacking intent. Abhishek created the first clear chance but failed to convert. Still, the pressure paid off in the 11th minute. A defensive error by the Dragons resulted in a penalty stroke.

Jugraj Singh stepped up and calmly pushed the ball low and hard past goalkeeper David Harte. The goal gave the Tigers a 1-0 lead and early confidence.

Goalless Second Quarter But Tigers Stay Ahead

The second quarter produced no goals, but the Dragons tried hard to level the score. Uttam Singh led their attacks and tested the Tigers’ defence. However, the Tigers stayed compact and denied clear chances.

At half-time, Tigers coach Valentin Altenburg was not satisfied and said his side could get “a lot of things right” in the match. His words seemed to motivate the team immediately after the break.

Third Quarter Turns Match On Its Head

The Tigers came out with renewed energy in the third quarter. Their improved passing and movement paid off quickly. Tommy Willems and Abhishek combined well to create space, and Sukhjeet Singh finished the move clinically to make it 2-0.

The Dragons responded in the 36th minute when Adrohit Ekka scored from a penalty corner. However, the Tigers quickly regained control. Jugraj Singh struck twice in quick succession in the 43rd and 45th minutes to complete his hat-trick. These goals stretched the Tigers’ lead to a commanding 4-1.

Late Drama But Tigers Hold Firm

The final quarter saw a sudden comeback attempt from the Dragons. Thomas Sorsby scored in the 48th minute, followed by Blake Govers in the 51st minute. These goals reduced the gap to 4-3 and made the closing stages tense.

Several video referrals added to the drama, but they eventually worked in the Tigers’ favour. In the 55th minute, the Tigers earned a crucial penalty corner. Abhishek made no mistake. After the injection, he positioned himself perfectly and deflected Tom Grambusch’s drag-flick into the net.

That goal restored the two-goal cushion and sealed a 5-3 victory for the Tigers.

Tigers Gain Momentum At The Right Time

With this result, Shrachi Bengal Tigers not only defended their champion status with authority but also climbed into the top four. The performance showed their attacking depth and resilience under pressure.

For the Dragons, the fightback showed character, but defensive lapses proved costly. As the league progresses, the Tigers will hope this win becomes the turning point in their campaign.