Ranchi Royals signed off their Women’s Hero Hockey India League 2025–26 campaign with an emphatic 5–2 victory over SG Pipers, producing a dominant all-round performance in front of their home crowd to secure third place in the tournament.
A brace each from Lucina von der Heyde and Hannah Cotter, along with a well-taken goal by Sangita Kumari, ensured a convincing win for the hosts, while SG Pipers’ captain Navneet Kaur scored both goals for her side. Already assured of a place in the final, SG Pipers began the contest with aggressive intent, pressing high up the pitch in the opening minutes. However, Ranchi Royals weathered the early pressure and struck almost immediately to seize control. Within the opening minute, the hosts earned a penalty corner, and drag-flick specialist Lucina von der Heyde made full use of the opportunity, converting in the 2nd minute to hand the Royals an early lead.
The early breakthrough allowed Ranchi Royals to dictate the tempo, as they settled into their passing rhythm and controlled possession through the midfield. SG Pipers, however, showed why they have been one of the standout teams of the tournament. Captain Navneet Kaur led from the front, finding space inside the circle and finishing clinically in the 10th minute to restore parity. With both sides trading blows, the opening quarter ended evenly poised at 1–1, setting the tone for a competitive encounter.
The second quarter saw the intensity rise further, with end-to-end hockey on display. Ranchi Royals began to enjoy a greater territorial advantage, repeatedly entering the Pipers’ circle and forcing the defense to stay alert. Their persistence paid off in the 24th minute when Sangita Kumari, left unmarked inside the circle, latched onto a loose ball and fired home to restore the hosts’ lead. The goal was a reward for the sustained pressure applied by the Royals, who tightened their structure thereafter to protect their advantage. As the half drew to a close, Ranchi ensured they went into the break with a deserved 2–1 lead.
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Ranchi Royals continued to control proceedings in the third quarter, displaying maturity in their approach. Rather than chasing goals recklessly, the hosts focused on dominating the midfield and maintaining possession, forcing SG Pipers to expend energy trying to regain control. The Royals created several scoring chances, including multiple penalty corners, but were unable to convert and extend their lead.
SG Pipers, to their credit, attempted to respond with quick counter-attacks and direct entries into the circle. They tested the Royals’ defensive unit on more than one occasion, but the Ranchi backline remained composed, closing down angles effectively and denying clear shooting opportunities. The third quarter ended goalless, with Ranchi Royals still holding a narrow 2–1 advantage heading into the final period.
The fourth quarter proved decisive, as Ranchi Royals shifted gears and finished the contest in emphatic fashion. Lucina von der Heyde struck again in the 47th minute, converting another penalty corner to score her second goal of the match and give the hosts a two-goal cushion. The goal visibly lifted the Royals, who pressed forward with renewed confidence.
Hannah Cotter then put the result beyond doubt with two late strikes. Her first came in the 55th minute, as she capitalised on a defensive lapse to slot home calmly. Cotter added her second in the dying moments of the match, scoring in the 60th minute to cap off a dominant fourth-quarter performance by the hosts.
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SG Pipers did manage to pull one back through Navneet Kaur in the 58th minute, with the captain scoring her second goal of the evening. However, it proved to be little more than a consolation, as Ranchi Royals closed out the match comfortably to seal a comprehensive 5–2 victory. The win ensured a strong finish to the campaign for Ranchi Royals, who showed consistency and attacking intent throughout the tournament to secure third place. SG Pipers, despite the loss, will turn their focus to the final, having already booked their spot and gained valuable match time ahead of the title clash.
All matches of the Hero Hockey India League are being broadcast live on Sony Sports Ten 1, Sony Sports Ten 3 and DD Sports, with live streaming available on Waves and the Hockey India League YouTube channel.
