UP Rudras Win 2-0 Over Gonasika : HIL 2024-25: UP Rudras Triumph 2-0 Over Team Gonasika, Ascend to First Place

Rourkela, Jan 21 (NationPress) Goals from Tanguy Cosyns and Kane Russell propelled the UP Rudras to a decisive 2-0 victory against Team Gonasika, allowing them to rise to the pinnacle of the Hockey India League (HIL) standings at the Birsa Munda Stadium here on Tuesday. Cosyns netted the first goal in the 37th minute, followed by Russell's contribution in the 40th minute, solidifying the Rudras' commanding performance.

The opening quarter was marked by cautious play, with neither side managing to create a significant goal-scoring opportunity. Both teams made several entries into the circle, yet neither could find the finishing touch, concluding the quarter with a score of 0-0.

In the 18th minute, Team Gonasika earned the first penalty corner of the match when Araijeet Hundal cleverly drew a foul from an opposing defender. However, James Mazarelo made an impressive save to deny Victor Charlet’s drag-flick, averting the threat.

Guided by Indian forward Hardik Singh, the UP Rudras gained momentum in the second quarter, earning four penalty corners. The first came after Gurjot Singh penetrated the circle, resulting in a penalty corner. Russell took the drag-flick attempt but was unsuccessful against the resolute Oliver Payne in goal for Team Gonasika.

Payne continued to be a formidable presence, maintaining a scoreless tie at halftime. The Rudras had three more penalty corners than their opponents, yet neither team managed to find the back of the net.

Team Gonasika had an opportunity to break the deadlock in the 33rd minute when Charlet delivered an exquisite pass to Amir Ali, who was tripped and awarded a penalty corner. However, Charlet’s attempt was mis-hit, failing to threaten the goal.

Finally, the UP Rudras broke through in the 37th minute with a meticulously executed penalty corner variation. Russell received the push and cleverly passed it back to Cosyns, who took full advantage of the time and space, unleashing a powerful shot to give the Rudras a 1-0 advantage.

In the subsequent minute, Team Gonasika came close to equalizing but was denied by an outstanding goal-line save from Floris Wortelboer.

Shortly after, the UP Rudras earned consecutive penalty corners, the second of which led to a 2-0 lead. Russell’s fierce drag-flick in the 40th minute deflected off goalkeeper Suraj Karkera’s left glove before finding the net. With this second goal, the Rudras firmly controlled the match.

They nearly added a third as James Albery found himself in a one-on-one situation with only the goalkeeper to beat in the 57th minute, but Suraj made a crucial save to narrow the angle. The Rudras’ defense held strong for the final 15 minutes, clinching a comfortable 2-0 victory and securing their position at the top of the points table.