Daijiworld Media Network - Chennai
Chennai, Jan 10: Tamil Nadu Dragons wrapped up their home leg on a high, remaining unbeaten after clinching a thrilling shootout victory over SG Pipers following a dramatic 4-4 draw at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium here on Friday.
With one outright win and two shootout bonus points, the Dragons showcased consistency and grit, while the result also extended SG Pipers’ winless run, as they are yet to register an outright victory since the start of last season.
Skipper Amit Rohidas (9’) opened the scoring for the hosts with a low drag-flick from a penalty corner. Although the Dragons briefly thought they had doubled the lead, the goal was overturned after a successful review by the Pipers. Tomas Domene (13’) then struck for the visitors to restore parity, ending the first quarter at 1-1.
The second quarter saw end-to-end action, with three goals in just two minutes. Paul Philipp Kaufmann (17’) put the Dragons ahead with a superb diving finish, but Domene (18’) quickly equalised by converting a penalty stroke. Moments later, Tom Craig (18’) fired home from a penalty corner to hand the hosts a 3-2 lead.
SG Pipers fought back in the third quarter through Ky Willott (38’), who converted a penalty corner to make it 3-3. The Dragons responded in the final quarter when Selvaraj Kanagaraj (40’) deftly deflected a long ball into the net. However, the visitors took a gamble by withdrawing their goalkeeper for an extra outfield player, and it paid dividends as Aditya Lalage (59’) struck a fine goal to force the contest into a shootout.
In the tiebreaker, SG Pipers converted four of their five attempts, all via penalty strokes following repeated fouls by Dragons’ goalkeeper Prince Deep Singh. However, the junior goalkeeper redeemed himself by producing a crucial save, helping the Dragons clinch the bonus point.
Earlier in the day, Soorma Hockey Club opened their account for the season, defeating Hyderabad Toofans 3-1 in a shootout after the regulation time ended 1-1. Captain Harmanpreet Singh (20’) and Amandeep Lakra (46’) were the goalscorers in that encounter.