HIL 2024-25 : UP Rudras Move to Top of HIL Standings with 2-0 Victory Over Gonasika
UP Rudras moved to the top of the Hockey India League (HIL) standings with a 2-0 victory over Team Gonasika at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela on Tuesday.
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The win was crucial for the Rudras, who now sit above the Tamil Nadu Dragons in the points table, while Gonasika’s hopes of making the semifinals are now hanging by a thread, with just two matches left to play.
The game was a battle of defensive tactics, with both teams known for their low-scoring performances. The first half was tense, with neither side able to break the deadlock. Midfield battles were key, and Rudras, led by skipper Hardik Singh, Tanguy Cosyns, and Floris Wortelboer, gradually gained the upper hand.
Despite a few good opportunities, the opening half ended without any goals, though Rudras had several penalty corners, all of which were saved by Gonasika’s goalkeeper, Oliver Payne. Gonasika’s coaching staff, including head coach Paul Revington and defender Tim Howard, were visibly unhappy with the referee’s decisions on some of the penalty corners.
The breakthrough came in the third quarter. After Gonasika's Victor Charlet had an uncharacteristic slip-up with a missed drag-flick, Rudras capitalized on the opportunity. A clever piece of play saw Kane Russell pass the ball to Cosyns, who made no mistake with his drag-flick to open the scoring. Gonasika tried to respond quickly, earning a penalty corner, but excellent defending from James Albery and Wortelboer kept them at bay, with Wortelboer even clearing a shot off the line.
With the game nearing its end, Russell sealed the win with a low drag-flick that went past Suraj Karkera, who had replaced Payne in goal. Despite getting a hand to the ball, Karkera couldn't prevent it from finding the back of the net, ensuring that Rudras took all three points and completed a league double over Gonasika.