Hockey India League: Gorzelany on target again as Tigers edge out Royals; Soorma Hockey Club part ways with coach Jude Menezes

Agustina Gorzelany scored her fourth goal of the season for Tigers. (Credit: Hockey India League)

Shrachi Bengal Tigers moved into the second spot after securing a 1-0 victory against Ranchi Royals in the women’s Hockey India League at Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astro Turf Hockey Stadium on Sunday in Ranchi. It was a familiar name on the scoresheet against as ace dragflicker Agustina Gorzelany (37’) scored the decisive goal of the game to help her side register three points, and reverse a 0-5 defeat against Royals from their previous meeting.

Heading into this match on the back of consecutive wins, Royals began the game on the front foot with their midfield controlling the tempo in the opening exchanges. They had five penalty corners and seven circle penetrations in the first quarter, but couldn’t find a way past Jennifer Rizzo in goal for the Tigers. Playing on the counter attack, the Tigers had a late opportunity of their own before Bichu Devi Kharibam pulled off a couple of sharp saves for the home side towards the end of a stop-start first quarter that went on for nearly 30 minutes with numerous video reviews being called for.

Tigers steadily grew into the game in the second quarter, making inroads and putting the Royals defence under pressure, albeit briefly. They had seven circle penetrations and a couple of penalty corners as they attacked in waves in search of the opening goal. Madhuri Kindo stayed firm in goal for the hosts though, making crucial saves to keep her side on level terms to end a hard-fought first half with the score at 0-0. Lalremsiami, who otherwise had a fantastic all-round match again, really should have scored for Tigers at the end of the first half after forcing a midfield turnover and creating a 1v1 situation only to then put the ball wide as Madhuri cut down the angle.

Royals added some impetus to their attack to begin the second half and came close to breaking the deadlock on a couple of occasions. However, it was the Tigers who eventually drew first blood through Gorzelany. She converted from a penalty corner, going inside out to beat Bichu to her left, scoring her fourth goal of the season to give her side a 1-0 lead. The home side looked for a quick response but couldn’t quite find a way to break the resolute and disciplined Tigers defence in the third quarter.

Despite seven circle penetrations and five penalty corners in the final quarter, Royals couldn’t find a breakthrough as the Tigers defence saw out the match.

With their hopes of making it to the top two officially over, first edition’s finalists Soorma Hockey Club annnounced that they have parted ways with head coach Jude Menezes with immediate effect. Soorma are winless in four matches and have managed to score just one goal.

“Soorma Hockey Club and Head Coach, Women’s Team, Jude Menezes, have mutually decided to part ways with immediate effect, following the team’s start to the ongoing Hockey India League in Ranchi,” the club said in a statement.

Menezes is a former India international who is now a New Zealand resident. He had coached Soorma to the final in the first season and has also guided Japan to the Paris Olympics in 2024. At this year’s HIL, Soorma just couldn’t find the finishing touches, making more than 100 circle entries across four matches and scoring only one goal from all that attacking endeavour. The franchise said former India captain Rani Rampal will take over as the coach for the remainder of the season.

“The decision has been taken in the best interests of the team. The club wishes to place on record its sincere gratitude to Jude for his contribution and wishes him the very best in his future endeavours. Team mentor Rani Rampal will take over as interim coach of the women’s team for the remainder of the tournament with the support of the existing staff. Soorma Hockey Club will be making no further comment at this time.”