Accord Tamil Nadu Dragons showcased composure under pressure to clinch a vital bonus point, edging past SG Pipers 5–4 in the shootout after an absorbing 4–4 draw in regulation time in a high-octane Men’s Hero Hockey India League encounter at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium on Friday.
In a match that swung repeatedly in momentum and featured attacking intent from both sides, the Dragons’ perfect execution in the shootout proved decisive.
Goals from Amit Rohidas (9’), Paul Philipp Kaufmann (17’), Tom Craig (18’) and Selvaraj Kanagaraj (40’) powered the Dragons during regulation time, while Tomas Domene (13’, 18’), Ky Willott (38’) and Aditya Lalage (59’) kept SG Pipers firmly in contention in a pulsating contest that went down to the wire.
SG Pipers began the match with purpose, asserting early control through quick ball movement in midfield and proactive pressing. Their intent was evident within the opening minutes as they created early circle entries and earned a penalty corner, though they were unable to capitalise on the opportunity. The Dragons, initially absorbing pressure, gradually settled into the rhythm of the game and began to find space on the flanks.
That growing confidence paid off in the ninth minute when the Dragons earned a penalty corner of their own. Skipper Amit Rohidas stepped up and made no mistake, unleashing a well-directed drag-flick to give his side the lead. Moments later, the Dragons thought they had doubled their advantage, only for the effort to be overturned following a successful video referral by SG Pipers.
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Undeterred by the setback, the Pipers continued to press and were rewarded for their persistence. In the 13th minute, Tomas Domene found himself perfectly positioned inside the circle and finished calmly to restore parity. The opening quarter ended with the score locked at 1–1, setting the tone for a frenetic evening of hockey.
The second quarter delivered a remarkable burst of drama as three goals were scored in the space of just two minutes. Accord Tamil Nadu Dragons reclaimed the lead in the 17th minute through Paul Philipp Kaufmann, who produced a brilliant diving effort to finish off a sharp attacking move. However, the advantage was fleeting. Almost immediately, SG Pipers were awarded a penalty stroke, and Domene showed nerves of steel to convert in the 18th minute, registering his second goal of the match.
The scoring spree continued as the Dragons struck back within seconds. Tom Craig converted a penalty corner in the same minute, restoring the home side’s lead once again and sending the crowd into celebration. Despite the rapid exchanges, SG Pipers refused to relent, continuing to press high and probe for openings. The Dragons’ defense, however, held firm in the closing stages of the half, allowing them to head into the break with a narrow 3–2 advantage.
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The Dragons carried their momentum into the third quarter and nearly extended their lead soon after the restart, only to be denied by a timely intervention from the Pipers’ defence. SG Pipers responded by switching to a more counter-attacking approach, which brought immediate rewards. In the 38th minute, Ky Willott converted a penalty corner to bring his side level once more, making it 3–3.
Once again, parity was short-lived. Just two minutes later, Selvaraj Kanagaraj produced a moment of individual brilliance, showing excellent skill inside the circle before deftly deflecting the ball into the net to restore the Dragons’ lead at 4–3. The Pipers earned another penalty corner shortly thereafter but failed to convert, allowing the Dragons to retain their slender advantage heading into the final quarter.
The fourth quarter saw SG Pipers throw everything forward in search of an equalizer. Their attacking pressure earned them a penalty corner in the 51st minute, but they were unable to make it count. The Dragons, meanwhile, looked to exploit gaps on the counter, but the Pipers’ defence remained resolute to keep the deficit to a single goal.
With time running out, SG Pipers made a bold tactical call, withdrawing their goalkeeper for an additional outfield player. The gamble paid off spectacularly. In the 59th minute, Aditya Lalage struck a superb goal to level the scores at 4–4, forcing the contest into a shootout and capping a thrilling end to regulation time.
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The shootout proved equally dramatic. SG Pipers converted four of their five attempts, all through penalty strokes following repeated fouls by Dragons goalkeeper Prince Deep Singh. However, Accord Tamil Nadu Dragons displayed remarkable composure, converting all five of their shootout chances to clinch a 5–4 victory and secure the all-important bonus point.
The result underlined the Dragons’ resilience and attacking depth, while SG Pipers were left to reflect on a spirited performance that ultimately fell just short. In a league already brimming with close contests, this eight-goal thriller served as a reminder of the fine margins that separate teams at the highest level of Indian domestic hockey.
