HIL GC delivered a statement performance to hand Accord Tamil Nadu Dragons their first defeat of the Men’s Hero Hockey India League 2025–26 season, winning 4–2 at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astro Turf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi on Monday.
The contest belonged to Kane Russell, whose third hat-trick of the season underlined both his lethal penalty-corner execution and HIL GC’s growing authority in the tournament.
Russell found the net in the 14th, 33rd, and 47th minutes, while Sam Ward added another in the second quarter. For the Dragons, Blake Govers converted a penalty corner early in the second half, and Uttam Singh scored a late consolation goal, but it was not enough to overturn a match that HIL GC largely controlled through structure, pressing, and efficiency in both circles.
Accord Tamil Nadu Dragons began the match with early intent, pushing HIL GC back in the opening minutes. Tom Craig tested the defense as early as the second minute with a fierce backhanded effort, but HIL GC goalkeeper James Mazarelo was alert and produced a strong save to deny the visitors an early breakthrough. That moment proved significant, as HIL GC gradually settled and began to dictate the tempo for the remainder of the first quarter.
The shift in momentum was evident when Prasant Barla broke through on goal in the sixth minute, only to be denied by Dragons’ goalkeeper David Harte. HIL GC’s attacking pressure soon translated into set-piece opportunities, earning back-to-back penalty corners in the 12th minute. While Kane Russell and Manmeet Singh were initially kept out, the warning signs were clear.
Two minutes later, HIL GC earned another penalty corner, and this time Russell made no mistake. The Australian drag-flicker unleashed a powerful effort that flew past the defensive runners and goalkeeper, opening the scoring and registering his seventh goal of the season. It was a goal that reflected HIL GC’s growing control and the Dragons’ struggle to contain Russell’s precision under pressure.
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HIL GC continued to press high and suffocate the Dragons in their own half, forcing turnovers and limiting clean exits. That pressure paid dividends again in the 23rd minute when Lalit Kumar Upadhyay produced a moment of individual brilliance. Beating his marker along the baseline, Lalit squared the ball perfectly across the face of goal, where Sam Ward reacted sharply to dive in and double HIL GC’s lead.
The Dragons responded positively after the break, showing greater urgency and purpose. Their improvement was rewarded almost immediately as Blake Govers converted a penalty corner in the 32nd minute, pulling one goal back and injecting fresh life into the contest. However, HIL GC responded in ruthless fashion.
Within the next minute, HIL GC earned three consecutive penalty corners. While the Dragons defended the first two with discipline, they could not keep Russell at bay for a third time. His drag-flick in the 33rd minute beat the defensive line to restore HIL GC’s two-goal cushion and reassert control.
Despite trailing, the Dragons showed resilience and created chances through sustained circle entries. Thomas Sorsby nearly produced a moment of magic in the 39th minute, using his 3D skills to evade defenders inside the circle before firing a slap shot that was superbly saved by Mazarelo. It was one of several interventions by the HIL GC goalkeeper that proved crucial on the night.
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The decisive blow came early in the final quarter. HIL GC were awarded another penalty corner in the 47th minute, and Russell stepped up once more. His drag-flick flashed past Dragons goalkeeper Prince Deep Singh to complete his hat-trick and effectively seal the contest. It was Russell’s third hat-trick of the season and another reminder of his status as the league’s most reliable set-piece specialist.
The Dragons continued to push and earned another penalty corner in the 53rd minute, but Mazarelo again stood firm to deny Govers. With four minutes remaining, Uttam Singh reduced the deficit after Mohammed Raheel’s incisive cross found him in space, but the late goal did little to change the outcome.
Despite recording 30 circle penetrations, Accord Tamil Nadu Dragons were limited to just two goals, highlighting the discipline and organisation of the HIL GC defence. The result sent HIL GC to the top of the table with 10 points, while the Dragons were left to reflect on missed opportunities despite a spirited performance.
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.
