Powerful performance secures massive home victory against SG Pipers.

Bhubaneswar: Hockey fans in the Temple City were treated to a masterclass in attacking dominance tonight as the Vedanta Kalinga Lancers stormed to a spectacular 6-1 victory over the SG Pipers. Playing on their home turf in Bhubaneswar, the Lancers controlled the game from the opening whistle, leaving the visitors struggling to find their rhythm.

Early Dominance Sets the Tone

Cooper Burns wasted no time in making his presence felt. He opened the scoring for the Vedanta Kalinga Lancers in just the 8th minute with a sharp field goal, electrifying the home crowd. The momentum stayed firmly with the hosts as Craig Marais doubled the lead only two minutes later.

Although SG Pipers managed to pull one back quickly through Willott Ky in the 11th minute, making it 2-1, their hope was short-lived. Cooper Burns struck again in the second quarter (23'), restoring a comfortable cushion for the home side before halftime.

Hendrickx Seals the Deal

The second half turned into a showcase of penalty corner precision. Alexander Hendrickx, known for his lethal drag flicks, extended the lead in the 39th minute. The Pipers’ discipline faltered under pressure, with Dilpreet Singh receiving a Green Card in the 43rd minute, further hampering their comeback efforts.

In the final quarter, the Vedanta Kalinga Lancers showed no mercy. Angad Bir Singh found the back of the net with a field goal in the 54th minute, effectively ending the contest. Just two minutes later, Hendrickx hammered the final nail in the coffin with another penalty corner conversion (56'), sealing an emphatic 6-1 scoreline.

This victory not only boosts the Lancers' standing but also sends a strong message to the rest of the league. For the fans in Odisha, it was a perfect Saturday evening of high-octane hockey.

Image Source: Hockey India League