The Men’s Hockey India League delivered fireworks on Saturday as the Stormers produced a masterclass 6-0 victory over the Bengal Tigers, while Kalinga Lancers powered past the Pipers 6-1. These results have shaken up the points table, highlighting the league’s cutthroat competition.
Stormers’ dominance was evident from the start. Their high press suffocated the Tigers, forcing turnovers that led to a barrage of goals. Goalkeeper Lakshman Singh was a spectator for much of the game, watching helplessly as six strikes found the net. Key performers included drag-flick specialist Rohit and speedy winger Neel, whose synergy tore apart the opposition.
The Tigers struggled with coordination, their forwards isolated and defense leaky. Coach Harpreet Singh lamented post-match, ‘We were outplayed in every department.’ The 6-0 margin is the biggest in HIL this season, underscoring Stormers’ title aspirations.
Over in the other fixture, Kalinga Lancers turned on the style against the Pipers. A 6-1 thrashing featured sublime team play, with midfield maestro Jugraj controlling the tempo. Pipers’ lone goal came late, but it did little to mask their deficiencies.
As HIL progresses, these wins propel Stormers and Lancers up the ladder. Tigers drop to mid-table, urging a tactical overhaul. Fans await the implications for playoffs, with every match now a must-win battle.
