In a display of sheer dominance, the Ranchi Royals delivered a masterclass performance to thrash the Shrachi Bengal Tigers 5-0 in their second match of the Women’s Hockey India League. The one-sided encounter took place on Tuesday at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astro Turf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi.
A One-Sided Affair from the Start
The Bengal Tigers entered the match with momentum from a narrow win against Soorma Hockey Club just a day earlier. However, they were completely outplayed by a relentless Ranchi Royals side that excelled in every aspect of the game. The statistics paint a clear picture of the Royals' supremacy: they enjoyed 64% possession, earned five penalty corners (PCs), made 25 circle entries, and took six shots on goal. In stark contrast, the Bengal Tigers managed only 36% possession, a solitary penalty corner, 11 circle entries, and just one shot on goal.
Goal Scorers Shine for the Royals
The goal-scoring was led by Argentine player Lucina von der Heyde, who found the net twice. She was ably supported by Sangita Kumari, Hannah Cotter, and Beauty Dungdung, who each contributed a goal to the comprehensive victory. For Sangita Kumari, the performance was particularly sweet. After a disappointing season with SG Pipers last year, she was visibly overjoyed with her team's dominant display.
"After the last match, we did a lot of video analysis and corrected the mistakes today. The team combination was really good and that made the difference," said the Indian striker, highlighting the team's focused preparation.
Breaking Down the Royal Onslaught
The Royals' effective team combination was evident from the first whistle. They launched an offensive from the opening minute and were rewarded in the 10th minute. A fluid move involving Rutuja Dadaso, Sakshi Rana, and Albela Rani Toppo was finished by Hannah Cotter to give the hosts the lead.
The second goal arrived just four minutes later. Following a penalty corner, Beauty Dungdung capitalized on a melee in front of the goal to double the advantage. The third quarter saw the Royals extend their lead further. Lucina von der Heyde scored her first, finishing a sharp play down the left flank with a return pass from Rutuja.
With a minute left in the same quarter, Sangita Kumari deflected a precise pass from the right baseline into the goal, taking advantage of lax marking by the Bengal Tigers defense. The final nail in the coffin came in the dying minutes when Lucina von der Heyde scored her second. The goal came from the team's fifth penalty corner, with her shot deflecting off the goalkeeper's pads and into the net.
This emphatic victory establishes the Ranchi Royals as a formidable force in the Women’s Hockey India League, while the Shrachi Bengal Tigers will need to regroup quickly after such a heavy defeat.
