In a one-sided contest, UP Rudras outclassed Soorma Hockey Club (SHC) 3-0 in match seven of the Hockey India League (HIL) on Wednesday. With this victory, UP Rudras secured their second consecutive outright win, placing them at the top of the table with six points, tied with Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers. Soorma, on the other hand, remains with just two points from a shootout win earlier in the tournament. Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, Soorma was undone by poor finishing and defensive errors.
UP Rudras started strongly, with Sudeep Chirmako capitalizing on a rebound to open the scoring in just the second minute. The early goal unsettled Soorma, who tried to respond aggressively. They earned a couple of penalty corners but failed to convert in the absence of their star drag-flicker, Harmanpreet Singh. UP’s tactical discipline stood out as they focused on creating open play opportunities and relentlessly entered the Soorma circle. Hardik Singh was instrumental in midfield, orchestrating attacks with his tireless performance.
The second goal came in the third quarter when Floris Wortelboer delivered a precise aerial cross from the halfway line. Sudeep Chirmako controlled it skillfully near the baseline before setting up Jobanpreet Singh, who deflected the ball into the net. Veterans Lalit Upadhyay and Akashdeep Singh, along with youngsters like Gurjot Singh and Chirmako, displayed excellent coordination, creating spaces and opportunities through their combined experience and skill. Akashdeep sealed the win in the 58th minute with a powerful finish into an empty net, following Hardik’s exceptional solo effort from the 23-yard line.
Soorma earned 10 penalty corners, including four consecutive ones and two at the stroke of full time. However, they failed to convert any of them, thanks to stellar goalkeeping from James Mazarelo and Lars Balk’s swift defensive work. Harmanpreet Singh, who took six of the PCs, found no success against the resolute UP defense. Despite some late attempts to fight back, Soorma was thoroughly outplayed in every aspect except possession.
The result underscores UP Rudras’ clinical efficiency and tactical superiority, while Soorma Hockey Club is left to reflect on missed opportunities and defensive lapses.
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