Bengal Tigers outclass Delhi SG Pipers

Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers dominate Delhi SG Pipers with Jugraj Singh's brace, while Team Gonasika secures first win in HIL.

: Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers rode on Jugraj Singh’s superb brace to outplay an error-prone Delhi SG Pipers 4-1 and record its third consecutive win and jump to the top of the table in the Hockey India League (HIL) at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium here on Saturday.

In the second match of the evening, Team Gonasika, which had only one point so far, defeated Hyderabad Toofans 3-1 to post its first win and earn three points.

With its clinical approach and tactical superiority, Bengal Tigers showed why it has emerged as a top side early in the league.

Tigers seized the initiative in a flash as Affan Yousuf provided a fine pass to Sukhjeet Singh on the right and the latter slotted in a diagonal shot through a narrow opening in the 23rd second.

Pipers, despite issues with their passing, created pressure on the Tigers’ citadel, but the Colin Batch-coached side held its nerves and its compact defence. With the ever-active Affan playing brilliantly, donning crucial roles all over the field, Tigers doubled their lead early in the second quarter as Jugraj launched a low drag-flick to sound the board.

Pipers got some good opportunities through three consecutive penalty corners in the third quarter, but an alert Jamie Carr blunted the attempts under the bar.

As Pipers desperately tried to catch up, one witnessed a fascinating duel between the Graham Reid-coached team’s forwards and the Tigers’ defenders.