In a high-octane clash filled with goals and drama, Jip Janssen delivered a sensational hat-trick to lead the Tamil Nadu Dragons to a thrilling 6-5 victory over Team Gonasika in the Hockey India League at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium on Wednesday. This marks the Dragons’ second outright win of the season, pushing them to second place on the table.
The Dutch drag-flicker became the second player to score a hat-trick in this tournament, joining Kalinga Lancers’ Thierry Brinkman. Janssen’s heroics were complemented by crucial goals from Abharan Sudev, Nathan Ephraums, and Karthi Selvam, who struck the match-winner in the final minute.
Team Gonasika made a strong start, with Araijeet Singh Hundal scoring twice early on. Hundal first launched a diagonal grounder from the edge of the circle and then tapped in a precise pass from Timothee Clement, who showcased remarkable balance to deliver the assist from the goal line.
The Dragons clawed back late in the first quarter when Abharan Sudev deflected in a clever penalty corner variation from Janssen. Early in the second quarter, the Dragons earned three short corners, with Janssen converting one to level the score. Tight man-to-man marking by the Dragons stifled Gonasika’s movement, leaving the teams tied at halftime.
Janssen put the Dragons ahead early in the second half by converting another penalty corner. Gonasika responded with flair as Tim Howard’s shot off a short corner hit the crossbar, only for Nikkin Thimmaiah to capitalize on the rebound. Moments later, Struan Walker converted a short corner to restore Gonasika’s lead.
The Dragons, however, continued to shine with their set-piece play. Janssen completed his hat-trick with a penalty corner variation that wrong-footed Gonasika goalkeeper Oliver Payne. Nathan Ephraums then put the Dragons ahead before Timothee Clement’s late goal leveled the scores yet again.
With just a minute left on the clock, Karthi Selvam netted the decisive goal, sealing an unforgettable 11-goal contest.
In the day’s second match, Hyderabad Toofans secured their first regulation-time victory, defeating UP Rudras 3-0. Goals from Wallace, Rajinder, and Shilanand powered the Toofans to an impressive win, shaking up the bottom of the standings.
Results:
– Tamil Nadu Dragons 6 (Sudev 15, Janssen 19, 33, 50, Ephraums 55, Karthi 59) bt Team Gonasika 5 (Araijeet Singh Hundal 5, 7, Nikkin 39, Walker 43, Clement 58).
– Hyderabad Toofans 3 (Wallace 6, Rajinder 14, Shilanand 32) bt UP Rudras 0.
This action-packed evening of hockey showcased the league’s thrilling intensity as the teams battle for playoff positions.
