Women's Hockey India League: SG Pipers open campaign with 2-0 win over Ranchi Royals

RANCHI: After finishing at the bottom of the table in the last edition of the Women's Hockey India League, SG Pipers began this edition of the tournament in style as they beat home favourites and debutants Ranchi Royals 2-0 at Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astro Turf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi on Sunday.

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Coached by former Belgian international Sofie Gierts, SG Pipers took the lead in the 27th minute when captain Navneet Kaur scored the opener from their second PC of the match. The push and trap were perfect and the India international put the ball into the left-bottom corner with ease. Ranchi goalkeeper Bichu Devi Kharibam did her best to block the shot, but it was of no avail.




The Pipers then doubled the lead early in the final quarter when Teresa Viana scored a lovely field goal. Running down the middle, the Uruguayan received an impeccable cross from the right.

Then with goalkeeper Bichu Devi coming out of her blocks early and captain Nikki Pradhan also going the same way, she took her time and calmly played the ball into the net. Ishika Chaudhary was there in front of the goal and could have made a goal-line save but she was unable to do it and Pipers doubled the lead.

While they did score two lovely goals, their defenders did a brilliant job at the back with Spain's Lola Riera putting up a player-of-the-match performance. And she did it despite being at the hospital for five hours on Saturday morning.

“I was sick because we are not used to spicy food, but I love it and I think it's amazing. But for us it's maybe too heavy and I felt sick,” said Riera after the match.

She, of course, had to drink a lot of water and electrolytes and eat light to get match ready but she also had drips on. It did make things difficult for her early in the game, but she got better as it went on.

“At the beginning, it was too much because the warm-up was quick and I didn't feel I'm going to have so much energy for the game. But with all the crowd and the people and my teammates, playing became easy. Also, the adrenaline of the game was so nice and I forgot everything,” added the Spaniard.

What was also good to see was coach Gierts going with Indian goalkeeper Bansari Solanki for the first two quarters despite having Argentine Cristina Cosentino in the side. Cosentino played later on but Solanki did a good job in front of the goal.

As for Royals, they will have to work a lot on their PCs after failing to convert any of the five they won throughout the match. Meanwhile, Agustina Albertarrio did impress with her runs down the left and one believes she will have to play a big role if Royals are to do well this season.

But Sunday belonged to Pipers, and they looked well set to make the final this time around.