Hockey India League: Dragons go top after shootout drama

CHENNAI: The final match of the men’s Hockey India League (HIL) Chennai leg produced a fittingly dramatic finish as Tamil Nadu Dragons and SG Pipers engaged in a breathless see-saw battle, with the visitors clawing their way back on four occasions.The contest ended 4-4 at the end of regulation time before the home side secured a bonus point with a 5-4 win in the penalty shootout. With the Pipers trailing 3-4 heading into the final minute, youngster Aditya Lalage struck in the 59th minute to force the tie-breaker.

The drama spilled into the shootout as Dragons goalkeeper Princedeep Singh faltered four times. Tomas Domene converted all of Pipers’ penalty strokes, but it was not enough to deny the Dragons the extra point.The result lifted the Dragons to the top of the standings with seven points, while the Pipers, on one point, remained seventh.Earlier in the day, Soorma HC drew 1-1 with Hyderabad Toofans before clinching the extra point with a 3-1 victory in the penalty shootout.The Dragons struck first when captain Amit Rohidas converted a penalty corner in the ninth minute. The Pipers hit back soon after. A miscommunication between goalkeeper Harte and midfielder Thomas Sorsby allowed Domene to capitalise with a thunderous reverse hit.The match then exploded into life, with three goals scored in a frantic spell. The suspense lingered until the final whistle, with Lalage’s late strike ensuring the Pipers at least walked away with a point.