Belgian goalkeeper Vincent Vanasch delivered a standout performance as Soorma Hockey Club secured its first outright win in the 2024-25 Hockey India League (HIL), defeating Vedanta Kalinga Lancers 4-3 in a pulsating encounter at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium on Sunday.  

In another match, Tamil Nadu Dragons broke their winless streak with a 2-0 victory over UP Rudras, powered by late goals from Abharan Sudev and Thomas Sorsby.  

The high-octane clash between Soorma and Lancers was marked by relentless end-to-end action and moments of brilliance. Lancers struck early in the fifth minute, as Enrique Gonzalez’s perfectly executed assist allowed Thierry Brinkman to beat Vanasch.  

Soorma responded through Jeremy Hayward’s precise drag-flick in the 11th minute, which deflected off goalkeeper Krishan Pathak’s pads and rolled in. However, Lancers regained their lead just before the first-quarter break, with Sanjay converting a low flick off their third penalty corner.  

Vanasch played a crucial role in keeping Soorma in contention, making a stunning save in a one-on-one situation against Nicholas Bandurak. At the other end, Pathak and Arthur van Doren combined effectively to deny multiple Soorma attempts, helping Lancers maintain a 2-1 lead at halftime.  

The tide shifted in the second half as Soorma intensified their attack. Nicolas della Torre equalized in the 35th minute with a clinical penalty-corner conversion.  

The final quarter electrified the 15,000-strong crowd, with three goals in as many minutes. Harmanpreet Singh scored off a penalty corner in the 50th minute to give Soorma their first lead. However, Gursahibjit Singh swiftly leveled the score for Lancers in the 51st minute.  

The decisive moment came in the 52nd minute when Harish Mutagar slid in to convert a well-placed cross, restoring Soorma’s advantage. Despite earning two short corners and a penalty stroke in the dying minutes, Lancers could not breach Vanasch’s defense, sealing their fate.  

In the day’s earlier match, Tamil Nadu Dragons outplayed UP Rudras in a dominant second-half display. Abharan Sudev broke the deadlock in the 48th minute, followed by a late strike from Thomas Sorsby in the 60th minute to secure a 2-0 victory.  

Results at a Glance  

– Soorma Hockey Club 4 (Jeremy Hayward 11, Nicolas della Torre 35, Harmanpreet Singh 50, Harish Mutagar 52) bt Vedanta Kalinga Lancers 3 (Thierry Brinkman 5, Sanjay 15, Gursahibjit Singh 51).  

– Tamil Nadu Dragons 2 (Abharan Sudev 48, Thomas Sorsby 60) bt UP Rudras 0.