HIL | Jugraj scores a hat-trick as Bengal Tigers emerge champions

Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers win thrilling Hockey India League final with Jugraj Singh's hat-trick and Sam Lane's decisive goal.

In an evening of penalty corner (PC) master-class from both sides, Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers prevailed over Hyderabad Toofans 4-3 in a thrilling final of the Hockey India League (HIL) at a packed Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium here on Saturday.

Jugraj Singh starred with a treble while Sam Lane, who had a quiet tournament until the knockouts, struck the decisive goal, handing Tigers their maiden title.

While the tournament’s PC conversion had been average at best, the final saw the teams with the best exponents of the skill go toe-to-toe.

Superb display

Jugraj had emerged as the PC expert, Toofans’ Gonzalo Peillat showed why he was the world’s best and his young teammate Amandeep Lakra put his name in the hat as the ‘next big thing’. During the final, all three had their moments with stunning accuracy.

Peillat struck in the opening quarter to draw first blood and Amandeep rocketed in one to restore the lead after Jugraj’s missile-like hit found the left side of the board.

At half-time, Toofans coach Pasha Gademan cautioned his team against winning possession before Tigers could penetrate the circle but as soon as the third quarter got underway, his team failed to carry out his instruction.