In a stunning display of defensive resilience and clinical finishing, Shrachi Bengal Tigers edged past a dominant JSW Soorma with a narrow 1-0 victory in their opening match of the Women's Hockey India League (WHL) in Ranchi on Monday. The result defied the overwhelming statistics, which were heavily in favour of the losing side.
A Tale of Dominance Without Reward
JSW Soorma controlled the game from the outset, dictating play with nearly 80% possession throughout the four quarters. They engineered a staggering 13 penalty corner opportunities (including retakes) and made 12 circle entries, creating a constant threat to the Bengal Tigers' goal. However, the finishing touch eluded them completely, turning their statistical supremacy into a frustrating footnote.
Gorzelany's Precision Seals the Deal
The match was decided by a single, perfectly executed set-piece. Against the run of play, the Bengal Tigers earned their first penalty corner of the match in the 11th minute. Argentine drag-flicker Agustina Gorzelany stepped up and unleashed a powerful, precise shot that flew past the side of the first rusher and beat the experienced Indian goalkeeper Savita Punia. The placement and speed of the strike made it exceptionally difficult for Savita, who was making her return to action after an injury layoff, to react in time.
Heroic Defence and Missed Chances
Following the goal, Soorma launched wave after wave of attacks but were repeatedly thwarted by a disciplined Bengal Tigers defence. Lalremisiami was instrumental in this effort, particularly in defending penalty corners. Her outstanding performance, which included a crucial last-minute block to deny Soorma's Penny Squibb, earned her the Player of the Match award. "We knew they had a good flicker and hitter. So, we were ready for it," the Mizo star said, explaining the clear defensive plan.
At the other end, Savita Punia showcased her class with two brilliant saves in the third quarter to keep her team in contention. She first denied the Dutch forward Noor de Baat from close range and then, with just a minute left in the quarter, reacted sharply to stop a deflection from Lalremsiami at the near post.
Post-Match Reactions and Looking Ahead
A visibly disappointed Soorma coach, Jude Menezes, summed up the team's frustration. "It's a game. Sometimes things go your way, sometimes it doesn't. And today it's one of those days where we did everything but didn't score," he stated. He acknowledged that the scoreline did not reflect their gameplay but emphasized the bottom line: "We haven't scored. So that's the bottom line."
For the Bengal Tigers, this victory marks a perfect start to the new WHL season, especially after failing to reach the final in the previous edition. For JSW Soorma, the match serves as a harsh lesson in converting chances, and their response in the upcoming fixtures will be keenly watched.
