SG Pipers Fall Short in Thrilling Opener Against HIL GC in Hockey League
Exciting Start to the Hockey League
Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], January 6: In a captivating opening match of the Men’s Hero Hockey India League 2025-26, SG Pipers showcased a blend of aggressive play, midfield agility, and exceptional goalkeeping, yet faced a narrow 2-3 defeat against HIL GC. The match was highlighted by Kane Russell's remarkable hat-trick, including a decisive penalty corner goal in the 60th minute, sealing the victory for HIL GC.
From the outset, SG Pipers displayed swift ball movement and aggressive early attacks, putting HIL GC on the defensive. They earned a penalty corner in the fourth minute, where Argentina's Tomas Domene executed a powerful drag-flick, but HIL GC's goalkeeper, James Mazarelo, made a crucial save. The Pipers maintained their offensive pressure, thanks to a strong midfield trio of Raj Kumar Pal, Jacob Draper, and Ky Willott, who effectively controlled the game's pace.
As the first quarter neared its end, HIL GC earned a penalty corner, but the Pipers' defense held firm, quickly transitioning to a counterattack. Domene drove into the circle, narrowly missing the target with a tomahawk shot. In the dying moments, HIL GC almost scored, but Tomas Santiago, the Pipers' goalkeeper, made a spectacular save, keeping the score at 0-0.
The second quarter evolved into a fast-paced exchange, with both teams creating scoring opportunities. SG Pipers' Roman Duvekot had a standout moment, skillfully maneuvering past HIL GC defenders but unable to find a teammate for the finish.
With under four minutes remaining in the half, Santiago showcased his talent again, making a sensational save against Ajeet Yadav's powerful shot aimed at the top corner. Shortly after, Pipers captain Jarmanpreet Singh sent a precise aerial pass to Aditya Lalage, who skillfully maneuvered into the circle but was thwarted by the HIL GC goalkeeper, leaving the score tied at halftime.
SG Pipers came out strong in the third quarter, taking the lead with a well-executed play. Tomas Domene set up Ky Willott, who scored with a brilliant finish, giving the Pipers a 1-0 advantage. However, HIL GC's Kane Russell quickly responded with two penalty corner goals, flipping the score to 2-1 in their favor. Despite this, Santiago's impressive saves kept the Pipers in the game, as they continued to create chances.
The final quarter saw SG Pipers launch a fierce offensive, determined to equalize. They pressured HIL GC's defense with numerous circle entries, while Santiago continued to make key saves. In the 56th minute, Dilraj Singh, a Junior World Cup hero, deflected Domene's flick into the net, leveling the score at 2-2. However, HIL GC was awarded a crucial penalty corner in the final seconds, and Russell converted it, securing a hard-fought 3-2 victory for his team.