Ranchi: SG Pipers secured their first win of the Men’s Hockey India League (HIL) 2025-26 season by defeating Hyderabad Storm 2-1 at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astro Turf Hockey Stadium on Monday.
The winning side’s Thomas Domen scored both goals, while goalkeeper Thomas Santiago delivered an outstanding performance. For Hyderabad Storm, Amandeep Lakra managed to score their lone goal.
SG Pipers started the match with great intensity, dominating the early minutes. They earned several penalty corners and finally broke the deadlock in the 8th minute when Thomas Domen converted a drag flick to give his team the lead.
Within the first 15 minutes, SG Pipers earned six penalty corners compared to none for Hyderabad Storm. Despite this, Hyderabad Storm made a comeback attempt with five circle entries, but managed only one shot on goal.
At the start of the second quarter, Hyderabad Storm controlled possession and pushed their opponents back. They recorded 12 circle entries and four penalty corners, attempting seven shots on goal, but could not find the net. Conversely, SG Pipers extended their lead when Thomas Domen scored his second goal in the 29th minute, assisted by Roman Duvekot, taking the score to 2-0 at halftime.
Fighting to get back into the game, Hyderabad Storm pressed forward in the third quarter, registering eight circle entries and several penalty corners. Despite goalkeeper Thomas Santiago’s excellent saves, their defence was breached in the 41st minute when Amandeep Lakra scored from a drag flick, reducing the deficit to 2-1.
Holding onto their one-goal lead, SG Pipers showed strong defensive resilience as Hyderabad Storm continued to attack relentlessly. The visitors earned 16 circle penetrations and six penalty corners in the final quarter, along with a penalty stroke opportunity.
However, Thomas Santiago proved crucial by saving the penalty stroke taken by Zachary Wallace and pulling off spectacular double saves in the dying moments, ensuring SG Pipers secured their first victory of the tournament.
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