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Shrachi Bengal Tigers Edge Ranchi Royals 1-0 in Women's HIL Thriller

Shrachi Bengal Tigers secured a narrow 1-0 victory over hosts Ranchi Royals in the Women's Hockey India League. The decisive moment came in the third quarter when Agustina Gorzelany converted a penalty corner for her fourth goal of the season. Despite dominating possession and earning numerous penalty corners, the Ranchi Royals were repeatedly thwarted by a resolute Tigers defence. The win earns the Tigers three crucial points, moving them up to second place in the league standings.

Key Points: Bengal Tigers Beat Ranchi Royals 1-0 in Women's Hockey

  • Gorzelany's 4th season goal wins it
  • Tigers' defence holds firm under pressure
  • Royals dominate possession but fail to score
  • Victory moves Tigers to 2nd in table
2 min read

Women's HIL: Shrachi Bengal Tigers prevail 1-0 against hosts Ranchi Royals

Agustina Gorzelany's goal seals a 1-0 win for Shrachi Bengal Tigers over Ranchi Royals in a tight Women's Hockey India League match.

"Agustina Gorzelany scored the decisive goal of the game to help her side register three points - Match Report"

Ranchi, Jan 4

With a disciplined and determined performance, Shrachi Bengal Tigers secured a 1-0 victory against Ranchi Royals in match number eight of the Women's Hockey India League 2025-26 at Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astro Turf Hockey Stadium on Sunday. Agustina Gorzelany scored the decisive goal of the game to help her side register three points and move to second place on the points table.

Heading into this match on the back of consecutive wins, Ranchi Royals began the game on the front foot with their midfield controlling the tempo in the opening exchanges. They had five penalty corners and seven circle penetrations in the first quarter, but couldn't find a way past Jennifer Rizzo in goal for the Shrachi Bengal Tigers. Playing on the counter attack, the Tigers had a late opportunity of their own before Bichu Devi Kharibam pulled off a couple of sharp saves for the home side towards the end of a stop-start first quarter.

Shrachi Bengal Tigers steadily grew into the game in the second quarter, making inroads and putting the Royals defence under pressure. They had seven circle penetrations and a couple of penalty corners as they attacked in waves in search of the opening goal. Madhuri Kindo stayed firm in goal for the hosts though, making crucial saves to keep her side on level terms to end a hard-fought first half with the score at 0-0.

Ranchi Royals added some impetus to their attack to begin the second half and came close to breaking the deadlock on a couple of occasions. However, it was the Shrachi Bengal Tigers who eventually drew first blood through Agustina Gorzelany (37') converting from a penalty corner, scoring her fourth goal of the season to give her side a 1-0 lead. The home side looked for a quick response but couldn't quite find a way to break the resolute and disciplined Shrachi Bengal Tigers defence in the third quarter.

Ranchi Royals dominated possession at the start of the final quarter as they remained relentless in their pursuit for an equaliser. Despite seven circle penetrations and five penalty corners in the final quarter, they couldn't find a breakthrough as the Shrachi Bengal Tigers defence remained rock solid to help them bag three crucial points.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Ranchi had so many chances! 5 penalty corners in the first quarter itself? You have to convert those at this level. A bit disappointing as a Royals fan, but credit to the Tigers for being so disciplined. Agustina Gorzelany is a clutch player.
A
Arjun K
Great to see a close, tactical 1-0 game. It's not just about goals. The goalkeeping from both sides was top-class - Bichu Devi and Madhuri Kindo were brilliant for Ranchi. This league is really showcasing our depth in women's hockey.
S
Sarah B
As a newcomer to following hockey in India, I'm impressed by the pace and skill on display. The article mentions "stop-start first quarter" – is that common? Would love to see even more coverage and maybe some streaming options with English commentary.
V
Vikram M
Solid three points for Bengal! Moving to second on the table is huge. This shows the importance of having a reliable penalty corner specialist like Gorzelany. Ranchi will be kicking themselves for all those missed PCs. On to the next one!
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Nisha Z
While the match was exciting, the reporting could be better. We get the stats, but what about the crowd? Was there a good turnout in Ranchi? The atmosphere matters too. Hope the stadium was full supporting these amazing players.

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