HIL GC Triumphs Over Shrachi Bengal Tigers in Thrilling 6-3 Encounter

HIL GC Secures Victory in High-Scoring Match

Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], January 7: In an exciting clash during the Men's Hockey India League 2025-26, HIL GC emerged victorious against Shrachi Bengal Tigers with a score of 6-3 at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium in Chennai on Wednesday.

Key players for HIL GC included Kane Russell, who netted three goals (19', 36', 44'), along with Sam Ward (19'), Sudeep Chirmako (38'), and James Albery (59'). For the Bengal Tigers, captain Jugraj Singh (12'), Tom Grambusch (40'), and Christopher Ruhr (40') contributed to the scoreline, as reported.

The match commenced with a fiercely contested midfield battle. The first significant scoring chance arose in the 11th minute when Sudeep Chirmako delivered a precise pass to Ajeet Yadav, whose shot hit the post.

Shortly after, the Bengal Tigers were awarded four consecutive penalty corners. Despite HIL GC's defensive efforts, they conceded a penalty stroke, which Jugraj Singh successfully converted (12'), outsmarting goalkeeper James Mazarelo. HIL GC nearly equalized again in the 14th minute, but Sam Ward's shot also struck the post.

In the second quarter, HIL GC turned the tide with two rapid goals in the 19th minute. Kane Russell's long pass found Sam Ward (19'), who deftly guided the ball into the net. Moments later, Russell scored from a penalty corner, putting HIL GC ahead.

As the game progressed, Sukhjeet Singh made a powerful run down the middle, but his back-handed shot hit the crossbar, leaving the Tigers trailing by one goal at halftime despite their 13 circle penetrations and six shots.

Five minutes into the third quarter, HIL GC earned another penalty corner, and Kane Russell capitalized, extending their lead. Sudeep Chirmako then scored a field goal in the 38th minute, pushing the advantage to three goals.

Refusing to give up, the Bengal Tigers struck back with two quick goals in the 40th minute. Tom Grambusch converted a penalty corner, followed by Christopher Ruhr, who tapped in a rebound to bring the score to 4-3. However, Russell completed his hat trick with another penalty corner goal in the 44th minute.

In the 49th minute, the Tigers had a chance to score from a penalty corner, but Jugraj Singh's attempt was thwarted by a strong save from Mazarelo. With time running out, the Tigers replaced their goalkeeper with an outfield player to chase more goals. They earned two late penalty corners in the 58th minute but failed to convert. In the final moments, James Albery skillfully maneuvered past the Tigers' defense and sealed the match with a goal, leading to HIL GC's 6-3 victory.