In a dominating display of field hockey prowess, the Stormers unleashed a torrent of goals to demolish the Bengal Tigers 6-0 in the Men’s Hockey India League (HIL). The match, held under blazing lights at a packed stadium, showcased the Stormers’ relentless attack and ironclad defense, leaving the Tigers reeling from the onslaught.
From the opening whistle, the Stormers set the tone. Captain Ravi Sharma led the charge with a blistering drag flick in the third minute, shattering the Tigers’ goalkeeper’s confidence early. The Tigers, known for their fiery counterattacks, found themselves pinned back as the Stormers controlled possession with surgical precision.
Midfielder Priyank Pal added to the misery with two quickfire goals before halftime, exploiting gaps in the Tigers’ midfield. The second half was no respite; forwards Aryan and Vikram notched hat-tricks in tandem, each goal a masterclass in penalty corner execution and open-play brilliance. The Tigers’ defense, led by veteran Suresh Kumar, crumbled under the pressure, conceding corners at will.
Meanwhile, in a parallel clash, the Kalinga Lancers edged out the Pipers 6-1 in a goal-fest that had fans on their feet. Lancers’ star striker Harmanpreet Singh orchestrated the rout with a clinical hat-trick, while the Pipers managed a consolation goal through a desperate scramble.
This double rout sends a clear message in the HIL standings. Stormers climb to third, while Lancers solidify their top-spot contention. For the Tigers and Pipers, it’s back to the drawing board as the league intensifies. Next up, Stormers face the Lancers in what promises to be a blockbuster showdown.