Royals End Campaign On A High
Ranchi Royals signed off their Hockey India League campaign with a commanding 5-2 victory over SG Pipers in Ranchi on Tuesday. The emphatic win helped the Royals secure third place in the standings and gave the home crowd plenty to cheer about in their final league outing.
Early Advantage Sets The Tone
The Royals made an aggressive start to the match, opening the scoring in the second minute through Lucina von der Heyde, who converted a penalty corner. SG Pipers responded quickly, with captain Navneet Kaur scoring the equaliser in the 10th minute to restore parity.
However, Ranchi regained control soon after as Sangita Kumari struck a fine field goal to put the hosts back in the lead before the end of the first half.
Second-Half Dominance By Ranchi
Ranchi Royals continued to apply pressure after the break and were rewarded when von der Heyde scored her second goal of the match, once again from a penalty corner. Hannah Cotter then took charge in the final quarter, netting two goals in quick succession to seal a comprehensive victory for the Royals.
Navneet Kaur scored her second goal for SG Pipers late in the match, but it proved to be only a consolation as the Royals comfortably closed out the game.
Pipers Look Ahead To Final
Despite the loss, SG Pipers had already secured their place in the Hockey India League final based on their strong performances earlier in the tournament. The defeat did little to dent their confidence as they prepare for the title clash.
For Ranchi Royals, the win provided a positive end to their season and underlined the team’s attacking potential and depth as they finished the league stage on a high note.
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