Table-toppers Tamil Nadu Dragons held their composure in the final quarter to secure a thrilling 3-2 victory over Delhi SG Pipers in a Hockey India League (HIL) match on Monday.
The Pipers struck early through Tomas Domene, who scored in the second minute to give his team an initial advantage. However, the Dragons responded strongly. Jip Janssen equalized in the sixth minute, followed by Nathan Ephraums adding a second with a superb effort in the 19th minute. Blake Govers extended their lead with a goal in the 21st minute, putting the Dragons in firm control of the match.
Domene kept the Pipers’ hopes alive by scoring his second goal in the 37th minute, skillfully finding the target from the right side. Despite their efforts, the Pipers were repeatedly denied by David Harte, the experienced 36-year-old Irish goalkeeper, who made crucial saves to preserve the Dragons’ narrow lead.
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By halftime, the Dragons appeared poised for victory, having scored three goals in just 15 minutes. Although Delhi SG Pipers managed nine circle penetrations by the end of the first quarter compared to the Dragons’ five, they struggled to capitalize on these opportunities.
Janssen, who scored the Dragons’ equaliser, became the highest scorer of the Hockey India League HIL 2024-25 season with five goals. In the final quarter, the Pipers pressed hard for an equalizer, making relentless runs into the Dragons’ half and enjoying significant possession. However, their inability to convert circle penetrations into goals remained a persistent issue for the team this season.
With this win, Tamil Nadu Dragons solidified their position at the top of the table with 15 points, while the Delhi SG Pipers continued their winless streak, languishing at the bottom of the standings.
(With inputs from PTI)
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