SG Pipers continued their impressive start to the Women’s Hero Hockey India League with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over JSW Soorma Hockey Club on Wednesday, as captain Navneet Kaur’s early goal proved decisive in a contest defined by defensive discipline and game management.
The result marked the Pipers’ second consecutive win and kept them firmly at the top of the league standings.
From the opening whistle, SG Pipers set the tone with a structured and composed approach, moving the ball sharply through midfield and pressing intelligently without overcommitting. Their intent was rewarded almost immediately. In the fourth minute, Navneet Kaur produced a moment of individual brilliance that ultimately separated the two sides.
Intercepting a loose pass deep in her own half, the Pipers skipper surged forward on a powerful run, bypassing two JSW Soorma defenders near the top of the circle before calmly slotting the ball past the goalkeeper. It was a goal that combined anticipation, pace and composure, underlining Navneet’s influence at both ends of the pitch.
Stung by the early setback, JSW Soorma Hockey Club attempted to settle into their rhythm, pushing higher up the field and looking to exploit space along the flanks. However, the SG Pipers’ defensive unit worked cohesively, closing down angles quickly and ensuring that Soorma’s attacking moves were forced wide or broken up before reaching dangerous areas.
Despite enjoying spells of possession, Soorma struggled to penetrate a well-organised Pipers backline, allowing the table-toppers to take their slender advantage into the first quarter break. The second quarter saw a noticeable increase in Soorma’s attacking intent. They pressed higher and earned the first penalty corner of the match, offering a chance to draw level. However, the Pipers’ defensive structure held firm, with the corner routine failing to trouble the goalkeeper.
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Sensing the shift in momentum, SG Pipers responded by prioritising ball retention and composure. Crisp passing through midfield helped them slow the tempo and force Soorma into extended defensive phases. Although Soorma earned another penalty corner towards the end of the half, a poor trap at the top of the circle summed up their frustrations in front of goal.
With neither side able to add to the scoreline, SG Pipers went into half-time with a deserved 1–0 lead, having balanced early attacking intent with disciplined defensive execution.
JSW Soorma Hockey Club emerged from the break with renewed urgency, throwing numbers forward in search of an equaliser. The third quarter was largely played in the Pipers’ half, with Soorma probing repeatedly and attempting to create overloads through the centre.
Yet, the SG Pipers defence stood up to the challenge admirably. Defenders tracked runners diligently, closed down shooting lanes, and cleared danger efficiently under pressure. Soorma’s sustained attacking phases yielded possession but little end product, as the Pipers continued to deny clear scoring opportunities.
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The pattern remained unchanged in the final quarter. Soorma continued to press, earning their third penalty corner of the match, but once again failed to convert. Each missed opportunity added to their growing sense of urgency, while the Pipers remained patient and composed.
At the other end, SG Pipers had chances to put the game beyond doubt. They won back-to-back penalty corners but were unable to capitalise, while Navneet Kaur came close to doubling her tally when she found herself one-on-one with goalkeeper Savita, who produced a smart save to keep Soorma in the contest. Soorma’s late surge earned them a fourth penalty corner in the closing stages, but the variation failed to breach the Pipers’ defence. Calm under pressure, SG Pipers closed out the match professionally to seal a narrow yet significant 1–0 victory.
With two wins from two matches, SG Pipers have made a strong early statement in the Women’s Hero Hockey India League, showcasing a balance of attacking quality and defensive resilience. For JSW Soorma Hockey Club, the result was a reminder of fine margins, as missed opportunities and penalty corner inefficiency ultimately proved costly.
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 also available on Waves and the Hockey India League YouTube channel.
