Updated Women’s HIL standings on January 7

The penultimate preliminary round of the ongoing Indian Women’s Hockey League saw Surma HC make a big statement with a 3-2 win over Sharachi Bengal Tigers on Wednesday (January 7). After losing four matches in a row, leading to the departure of coach Jude Menezes, Surma HC had a point to prove and did so in style, recording two wins in a row.

The Tigers, who had booked their place in the IHL final ahead of the match, fielded Gurjit Kaur for the first time in the tournament while also replacing Jennifer Rizzo with Aditi Maheshwari in goal briefly.

Soorma HC thus played their final match in the tournament even as the Tigers will compete for the Indian Hockey League title when they take on the SG Pipers in the final on Saturday.

Lalremsiami’s scorching run into the circle came to naught in the eighth minute after the Mizzou striker’s shot was pushed wide by Benny Squibb. Olivia Shannon then sent a wonderful cross to Salima Tite, but the Indian captain’s shot was blocked by Jennifer Rizzo.

A horrific defensive lapse from Agustina Gorzelani in the form of a passing error allowed Olivia Shannon the opportunity to race into the Tigers’ circle in the 10th minute. A misunderstanding between Gursalani and goalkeeper Rizzo gave Sonam the opportunity to put the ball into the net.

A squirming run from Olivia Shannon enabled the New Zealander to go close to the Tigers’ goal in the 19th minute, but a lively touch from Jennifer Rizzo allowed Deepak Thakur’s side to delay.

A penalty resulted for a backhander after Victoria Manuel’s foray in the 36th minute. Gurjit Kaur returned the ball to Purnima Yadav who failed to get a shot on target.

Penny Squibb played the ball onto Victoria Manuel’s thigh, just above the leg pad, resulting in another corner kick for the Tigers, this time for dangerous play in the 37th minute. Agustina Gorzelani, who was already the tournament’s top scorer before the match, added to her tally with a low, powerful pass aimed to the goalkeeper’s left.

Soorma HC, now coached by Rani Rampal, were awarded a penalty in the 50th minute. Penny Squibb found the net with a thunderous flick, making the most of a perfect shot and trap, enabling her side to regain the lead.

The previous season’s runner-up won another short corner in the 53rd minute. Maria José-Granato slotted the ball home from close range after an indirect pass involving a deft passing routine.

Lalremsiami pulled one back for the Tigers in the final minute by scoring a corner kick after Nidhi blocked the initial drag flick into goal.

Savita Punia did not play any role in the second match in a row.

Despite the win, Soorma HC still ranks last in the Indian Hockey League points table

Indian Hockey League: Updated points table for the Women’s League stage (Wednesday, January 7)

Indian Hockey League 2024-25: Women’s League Matches (Thursday, January 8)

Surma HC vs Sharachi Bengal Tigers, 3:00 PM IST (Jaipal Singh Stadium, Ranchi)