A disciplined defensive display combined with clinical execution at a crucial moment helped Shrachi Bengal Tigers secure a hard-earned 1–0 victory over hosts Ranchi Royals in Match 8 of the Women’s Hero Hockey India League (HIL) 2025–26 at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astro Turf Hockey Stadium on Sunday.
Agustina Gorzelany’s penalty corner conversion in the 37th minute proved to be the difference on a night where margins were slim and intensity remained high until the final whistle. The result marked Shrachi Bengal Tigers’ second win of the season, lifting them to second place on the points table, while Ranchi Royals were left to rue missed opportunities despite dominating key phases of the contest.
Coming into the match on the back of consecutive victories, Ranchi Royals began with confidence and authority, immediately asserting control through the midfield. Their ball circulation was sharp in the opening quarter, and they repeatedly found their way into attacking positions. The hosts earned five penalty corners and seven circle penetrations in the first 15 minutes, but were unable to capitalise, largely due to the calm presence of Jennifer Rizzo in the Shrachi goal.
Rizzo was sharp off her line and decisive with her clearances, denying Ranchi any early breakthrough. The Tigers, meanwhile, adopted a counter-attacking approach, soaking up pressure and looking to exploit spaces on the break. They created a late opening of their own in the first quarter, while Bichu Devi Kharibam at the other end was forced into a couple of smart saves to keep the scores level in a stop-start opening period.
The second quarter saw Shrachi Bengal Tigers gradually grow into the contest, shifting the momentum through sustained attacking phases. Their press became more coordinated, and they began to pin Ranchi deeper inside their own half. The Tigers registered seven circle penetrations and earned two penalty corners, attacking in waves as they searched for the opener.
However, Ranchi Royals goalkeeper Madhuri Kindo stood firm under pressure. Her reflex saves and positional awareness were key in keeping the Tigers at bay, ensuring the hosts went into halftime with the score locked at 0–0 despite Shrachi’s improved attacking rhythm.
Ranchi Royals looked to raise the tempo again after the interval, pushing numbers forward and coming close to breaking the deadlock early in the third quarter. Yet, against the run of play, it was the Tigers who struck first. In the 37th minute, Shrachi earned a penalty corner, and Agustina Gorzelany stepped up with trademark composure to fire home, scoring her fourth goal of the season and giving her side a crucial 1–0 lead.
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The goal shifted the dynamic of the contest. Ranchi Royals pushed aggressively for an equaliser, but the Tigers responded with a compact and disciplined defensive structure. Shrachi’s backline held its shape, cutting off passing lanes and forcing Ranchi into wide areas, limiting the quality of chances despite the hosts’ territorial advantage in the remainder of the third quarter.
The final quarter saw Ranchi Royals throw everything forward in search of a leveler. They dominated possession and maintained relentless pressure, earning seven circle penetrations and five penalty corners in the last 15 minutes alone. However, the Tigers’ defence stood resolute, with timely tackles, sharp interceptions, and controlled clearances denying Ranchi a breakthrough.
Jennifer Rizzo continued to marshal the defensive unit effectively, while Shrachi’s outfield players showed composure and tactical discipline in seeing out the contest. Despite the volume of chances created, Ranchi Royals were unable to convert, as Shrachi Bengal Tigers held firm to claim three vital points.
The result underlined Shrachi’s growing confidence and tactical maturity early in the season, particularly their ability to absorb pressure and execute decisively in key moments. For Ranchi Royals, the performance offered positives in terms of build-up play and chance creation, but the lack of finishing proved costly on home turf.
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.
