Ranchi Royals produced one of their most authoritative performances of the Men’s Hero Hockey India League 2025–26 season, dismantling SG Pipers 6–2 in Ranchi on Tuesday night, with captain Tom Boon delivering a sensational five-goal masterclass.
The emphatic victory not only thrilled the home supporters but also propelled the Royals up to fourth place in the league standings, strengthening their push in an increasingly competitive table.
Boon was the undisputed star of the evening, scoring in the 17th, 40th, 41st, 50th, and 60th minutes, while Mandeep Singh (13’) added the sixth goal for the hosts. SG Pipers found the net through Tomas Domene (20’) and Gareth Furlong (39’), but were ultimately overwhelmed by the Royals’ relentless penalty-corner efficiency and attacking intent.
The match began at a brisk tempo, with Ranchi Royals enjoying an early share of possession and probing the Pipers’ defensive structure. However, it was SG Pipers who nearly struck first, as Dilraj Singh’s powerful effort in the fourth minute was dramatically cleared off the goal line by an alert Royals defender. That moment seemed to sharpen the focus of the home side, who responded with sustained pressure and sharper circle entries.
Ranchi’s breakthrough came in the 13th minute when Mandeep Singh, left completely unmarked inside the circle, made no mistake with a crisp finish to hand the Royals a deserved 1–0 lead. The hosts nearly doubled their advantage at the end of the quarter after earning a penalty corner with just nine seconds remaining, but a poor trap denied them, leaving the score 1–0 at the first break.
The Royals did not have to wait long after the restart to extend their lead. Early in the second quarter, they were awarded a penalty stroke following a stick tackle inside the circle. Captain Tom Boon stepped up with trademark composure, calmly slotting the ball home in the 17th minute to make it 2–0 and underline his importance as both leader and finisher.
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SG Pipers responded admirably, refusing to let the contest drift away. Their sustained pressure earned them a penalty corner, which Tomas Domene converted in the 20th minute, reducing the deficit to 2–1 and injecting fresh energy into the contest. The remainder of the quarter saw Ranchi create multiple opportunities, including two more penalty corners, but the Pipers’ defense held firm, ensuring the Royals went into half-time with only a slender one-goal advantage.
The third quarter proved pivotal. SG Pipers emerged with renewed intent and were rewarded almost immediately when Gareth Furlong converted a penalty corner in the 39th minute, bringing the scores level at 2–2 and threatening to swing momentum decisively in their favour. However, any hopes of a sustained comeback were swiftly extinguished by the brilliance of Tom Boon.
Within the space of a minute, Boon struck twice from penalty corners in the 40th and 41st minutes, completing his hattrick and restoring a commanding two-goal cushion for the Royals. The rapid double blow visibly deflated the Pipers, while Ranchi carried a 4–2 lead into the final quarter with renewed confidence and control.
SG Pipers attempted to regroup in the fourth quarter, but Ranchi Royals tightened their defensive structure and continued to attack with purpose. Boon struck again in the 50th minute, finishing from close range to claim his fourth goal of the night and effectively put the contest beyond doubt. Even with a comfortable margin, the Royals showed no signs of easing off, maintaining high intensity and pressing for more.
Fittingly, the final word belonged to the captain. In the dying seconds of the match, Tom Boon converted yet another penalty corner, completing a remarkable five-goal haul and sealing a dominant 6–2 victory. His performance was a stark reminder of his elite pedigree and his ability to dictate outcomes at the highest level of domestic hockey.
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For Ranchi Royals, the win was as significant as it was emphatic. The result showcased their attacking depth, penalty-corner efficiency, and growing cohesion as the season progressed. With Boon in such devastating form and key players stepping up around him, the Royals look increasingly well-placed to challenge strongly in the latter stages of the league.
All matches of the Hero Hockey India League are 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.
