The Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers (SRBT) clinched their second consecutive win in the Hockey India League (HIL) with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Team Gonasika at the Birsa Munda Stadium on Wednesday. In a match defined by tactical discipline and near-equal performances, a defensive error leading to a penalty stroke proved decisive.  

Both sides displayed remarkable strategic play, limiting open opportunities and turning the game into a midfield battle. The Tigers capitalized on their sixth penalty corner for the opener, while Team Gonasika equalized just 30 seconds later. Ultimately, a 48th-minute penalty stroke, coolly converted by Rupinder Pal Singh, secured the victory for SRBT.   

The game was a testament to how finely matched the teams were. Both shared equal circle entries, attempts at goal, and even scored within a minute of each other in the second quarter. SRBT’s Sukhjeet Singh and Abhishek led the attacking charge, aided by Affan Yousuf’s supporting runs. However, Team Gonasika’s goalkeeper Oliver Payne was a fortress, making a string of crucial saves to keep his side in the contest.  

SRBT’s breakthrough came in the 31st minute, when veteran Rupinder Pal Singh smashed home a penalty corner past Payne’s shoulders. Just as the Tigers began to celebrate, former India captain Manpreet Singh responded immediately for Gonasika. Assisted by Struan Walker, Manpreet delivered a powerful strike from the left, leaving the score tied at 1-1.   

With neither team able to break the deadlock in open play, it seemed the match was destined for a shootout. However, a defensive blunder in the 48th minute gave SRBT a penalty stroke, which Rupinder converted with composure to reclaim the lead.  

Despite the setback, Team Gonasika ramped up their attack, with Manpreet Singh and French international Victor Charlet orchestrating plays from midfield. However, their efforts were undone by rushed finishes and wayward shots in the final third.  

Player Highlights  

– Rupinder Pal Singh (SRBT): His two clinical goals from set pieces underlined his importance in decisive moments.  

– Oliver Payne (Team Gonasika): Despite the loss, Payne’s heroics in goal prevented a wider margin.  

– Manpreet Singh (Team Gonasika): A tireless performance, capped by a well-taken equalizer.  

The victory strengthens SRBT’s position as a top contender in the league, showing their ability to grind out results in closely contested matches. For Team Gonasika, the loss adds pressure to turn their performances into wins, as their attacking struggles in crunch moments persist.  

Result: SRBT 2 (Rupinder Pal Singh 31, 48) bt Team Gonasika 1 (Manpreet Singh 32).