It took four matches and the departure of their head coach Jude Menezes but Soorma Hockey Club finally registered their first win of the women’s Hockey India League season, beating Ranchi Royals 2-1 in Ranchi on Monday. Penny Squibb (1’) and Olivia Shannon (39’) scored Soorma, while Agostina Alonso (35’) netted the solitary goal for Ranchi Royals, who’s hopes of reaching the final took a severe blow after back-to-back defeats. This reversal leaves them in third spot with just one match to go against table-topping SG Pipers, who have in turn confirmed their place in the final thanks to Soorma’s win.
Soorma came flying out of the blocks, earning a couple of penalty corners within the first minute. They capitalised on the second attempt with dragflicker Squibb finding the back of the net to give her side an early lead. The Australian then made her presence felt at the defensive end with an epic diving goal-line clearance in the fourth minute, keeping Soorma’s lead intact. Royals pushed back to try and get back on level terms. However, they were kept at bay by the Soorma defence, registering only two circle penetrations in the first quarter.
It was an encouraging start to the second quarter from Royals as they responded strongly. With 11 circle entries and 3 penalty corners in the second quarter, they knocked on the door in search of the leveller but couldn’t find a way to break down a determined Soorma backline that remained organised to hold onto their 1-0 lead at half time.
Soorma’s resistance was finally broken in the second half after Hannah Cotter weaved through their defence before setting up Alonso (35’), who fired her effort past goalkeeper Nidhi – who played the full match instead of Savita Punia – to restore parity for the Ranchi Royals. The joy for Royals was shortlived as Soorma regained their lead four minutes later, with Shannon (39’) finding the back of the net from a penalty stroke.
Chasing the game in the last fifteen minutes, the crowd got into the game, backing Royals as they pinned Soorma back in their own half and had 11 circle entries in the final quarter, throwing everything they had at the opposition. However, Soorma were disciplined in their low block and held on to register a 2-1 victory, bagging their first win of the season.
© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd
