HIL | Kalinga Lancers script a sensational comeback win

Vedanta Kalinga Lancers stage thrilling comeback to defeat Delhi SG Pipers in high-scoring Hockey India League match.

Goalkeeper Toby Reynolds-Cotterill saved thrice in penalty shootouts as Vedanta Kalinga Lancers made a stunning comeback to pip Delhi SG Pipers in an action-packed high-scoring Pool-A thriller of the Hockey India League at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium here on Sunday.

As the men’s league entered its second phase, Lancers rode on Alex Hendrickx and Thierry Brinkman’s braces to erase a three-goal deficit as the two sides were locked 5-5 in the regulation period. Lancers won the shootout 3-2 to record their fourth win and make thousands of home fans happy, while Pipers suffered their seventh consecutive defeat.

Lancers conducted raids from the left and earned a short corner in the 13th minute. Hendrickx flicked low to put the host ahead.

The second quarter suddenly switched in Pipers’ favour as the Graham Reid-coached side converted four penalty corners in the space of five minutes.

Following Jarmanpreet Singh’s smart effort, Tomas Domene drag-flicked high to equalise.

The Argentinian scored another, giving Pipers the lead by shooting home a low and angled flick to Krishan Pathak’s left.

Corey Weyer found Pipers’ third goal off a rebound beating Pathak on the right.