Birthday hat-trick propels Ranchi Royals to title match
Bhubaneswar: Hockey fans at the iconic Kalinga Hockey Stadium witnessed a masterclass in finishing as the Ranchi Royals secured their spot in the summit clash of the Hero Hockey India League 2026. In a high-stakes Qualifier 2 held on Sunday, the Royals defeated a spirited Hyderabad Toofans side with a close 3-2 margin.
Sunday’s victory sets up a mouth-watering final showdown. The Ranchi Royals will now face the home favorites, Vedanta Kalinga Lancers, this coming Monday to decide the ultimate champion.
Birthday Boy Steals the Show
Tom Boon turned his birthday into a memorable celebration on the turf. The star player was the difference-maker between the two sides, netting a sensational hat-trick (13', 15', 34'). While the Hyderabad Toofans fought bravely with goals from Jacob Anderson and local talent Amandeep Lakra, Boon’s precision on penalty corners proved too difficult to overcome.
High-Speed Action from the Start
Hyderabad actually drew first blood in the contest. Just five minutes into the first quarter, Rajinder Singh displayed incredible skill, weaving past three defenders on the right flank. He set up Jacob Anderson perfectly, who deflected the ball into the net to give Hyderabad an early 1-0 lead.
However, the lead was short-lived. Ranchi Royals capitalized on Hyderabad's defensive errors, earning two crucial penalty corners. With experienced campaigner Manpreet Singh providing the injection, Tom Boon converted back-to-back opportunities in the 13th and 15th minutes. By the end of the first quarter, Ranchi had overturned the deficit to lead 2-1.
Royals Hold Their Nerve
After a goalless second quarter, the Royals came out swinging after halftime. Boon completed his hat-trick in the 34th minute with another fierce flick, extending the lead to 3-1. Hyderabad refused to surrender, with youngster Amandeep Lakra executing a fine penalty corner in the 38th minute to make it 3-2.
Despite intense pressure and several attempts by Hyderabad to find an equalizer in the final quarter, the Ranchi defense stood firm. Their disciplined backline ensured they held on to the slender lead, booking their ticket to the Hero Hockey India League 2026 final against the Kalinga Lancers.
Image Source: Hockey India League
