Bengal Tigers find a way past Gonasika, record second victory of the season

Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers secure second win with 2-1 victory over Team Gonasika in a closely contested match.

 The rub of the green went Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers’ way as it registered its second win in as many games with a 2-1 victory over Team Gonasika at the Birsa Munda Stadium on Wednesday (January 1, 2025).

For a game that was as evenly matched as possible, one moment of defensive error led to a penalty stroke for SRBT, proving to be the difference between the two sides.

For the remaining part, there was little to choose from between the two, matched in their attempts at goal, circle entries and even scoring their respective opening goals within 30 seconds of each other.

It was a tactical game that saw both outfits play strategically, resulting in most of the work being done between the two 23-yard lines. For SRBT, Sukhjeet Singh and Abhishek were the key men with repeated incursions into the circle and Affan Yousuf backing them up, only to find their shots blocked by goalkeeper Oliver Payne.

SRBT did earn enough penalty corners, however, it had to wait till the sixth one for Rupinder Pal Singh to finally step into the action — Jugraj Singh was entrusted with the responsibility till then but was unable to beat Payne — and the veteran made no qualms in smashing into the net past Payne’s shoulders for the opening goal.

For Gonasika, it was Manpreet Singh, along with Frenchman Victor Charlet, who was the beating heart, controlling every aspect and running relentlessly to attack, create and defend.

It was no surprise that the former India captain got his name on the scoresheet as well, 30 seconds after SRBT took lead, swinging to smash into the board, unmarked on the left after being put through by Struan Walker.