CHENNAI: HIL GC defeated Shrachi Bengal Tigers 6–3 in a high-scoring Men’s Hockey India League match at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium in Chennai on Wednesday, with Kane Russell scoring a hat-trick to lead his side to victory.
Sam Ward, Sudeep Chirmako and James Albery were also on target for HIL GC, while Jugraj Singh, Tom Grambusch and Christopher Ruhr scored for the Tigers.
The opening quarter was closely contested in midfield before the Tigers made the breakthrough in the 12th minute. After a sequence of penalty corners, HIL GC conceded a penalty stroke which captain Jugraj converted with confidence.
HIL GC twice struck the post in the first quarter, through Ward and Ajeet Yadav, but remained a goal behind at the break.
The match swung decisively in the second quarter as HIL GC scored twice in quick succession in the 19th minute. Ward levelled from close range before Russell converted a penalty corner to put his side ahead. The Tigers continued to create chances and hit the crossbar through Sukhjeet Singh, but trailed 2–1 at half-time.
Russell extended the lead with another penalty corner early in the third quarter, and Chirmako added a fine field goal to give HIL GC a commanding advantage.
The Tigers responded strongly, pulling two goals back within a minute as Grambusch converted a penalty corner and Ruhr finished a rebound to make it 4–3.
Russell restored the cushion with his third of the night from yet another penalty corner, completing his second consecutive hat-trick in the league.
The Tigers pushed numbers forward in the final stages and replaced their goalkeeper in search of goals, but Albery capitalised on the open goal in the 59th minute to seal the result.
The win keeps HIL GC firmly in contention as the league enters a crucial phase, while the Tigers will rue missed opportunities despite a spirited fightback.