Rourkela, Jan 8 (NationPress) A sensational hat-trick by Jip Janssen enabled the Tamil Nadu Dragons to achieve a remarkable comeback, clinching a 6-5 victory over Team Gonasika in a high-scoring encounter during the Hockey India League (HIL) 2024-25 at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium on Wednesday.
Team Gonasika started strong, finding the back of the net within just five minutes. Araijeet Singh Hundal was afforded too much space at the edge of the circle, seizing the opportunity to launch a powerful shot.
Goalkeeper David Harte was unable to stop the strike as Hundal celebrated, giving Gonasika an early lead. They doubled their advantage shortly after, with Araijeet scoring again in the 10th minute. Timothee Clement made a brilliant run into the circle and delivered a perfect aerial pass to Araijeet, who skillfully placed the ball past Harte.
Just when it seemed Gonasika would dominate, the Tamil Nadu Dragons fought back in the last minute of the first quarter through a well-executed penalty corner. Janssen orchestrated a clever variation for Abharan Sudev, who finished excellently to reduce the deficit.
The Dragons leveled the score four minutes into the second quarter, with Janssen scoring a stunning drag-flick. The Tamil Nadu team increased the pressure, winning consecutive penalty corners, and Janssen expertly timed his strike to bring the score to 2-2.
The second half started dreamily for the Dragons as Janssen struck again with another powerful drag-flick from a penalty corner, deflecting off Oliver Payne before finding the net.
After a flurry of action, Tim Howard almost equalized for Gonasika, but his shot from a penalty corner variation hit the woodwork. The Dragons' lead lasted only six minutes before Nikkin Thimmaiah scored from close range to equalize in the 39th minute.
More excitement followed as Struan Walker scored a spectacular goal in the 43rd minute, launching an unstoppable drag-flick from a penalty corner into the top right corner. Gonasika ended the third quarter ahead at 4-3.
In the final 15 minutes, the Dragons maintained relentless pressure, winning three consecutive corners. The third resulted in a stunning goal as Blake Govers set up Janssen with a clever variation, allowing the Dutch star to score his hat-trick and equalize at 4-4.
The thrilling exchange continued as the Dragons unexpectedly took the lead in the 55th minute. Amid a crowded goal mouth, Nathan Ephraums found the ball and slotted it past Payne, giving the Dragons a 5-4 advantage.
Team Gonasika fought hard to level the match, with Clement scoring from a one-handed deflection off Manpreet Singh in the 58th minute. However, the Dragons quickly responded, with Karthi Selvam making a powerful run into the box, cutting back and finishing smoothly to make it 6-5.
With less than 10 seconds on the clock, Govers made a crucial block on the goal line to deny Gonasika an equalizer, securing the Dragons' second consecutive win. This victory propels the Tamil Nadu Dragons to the second spot in the standings with nine points from four matches.
