Tamil Nadu Dragons Outlast SG Pipers in 5–4 Shootout Thriller After 4–4 Stalemate
Accord Tamil Nadu Dragons showcased nerves of steel to clinch a crucial bonus point after edging past SG Pipers 5–4 in the shootout, following a breathtaking 4–4 draw in regulation time in the Men’s Hero Hockey India League at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium on Friday night.
In a contest packed with attacking intent, momentum swings, and last-minute drama, the Dragons made the most of their shootout chances, converting all five of their attempts to seal a memorable win.
Pipers Start on the Front Foot
SG Pipers made an enterprising start, dominating early possession and earning a penalty corner inside the opening two minutes. However, their inability to capitalise allowed the Tamil Nadu Dragons to settle into the contest.
It was the home side that struck first when captain Amit Rohidas (9’) converted a penalty corner to give the Tamil Nadu Dragons the lead. The Dragons nearly doubled their advantage moments later, but a successful video review by the Pipers overturned the decision.
Undeterred, the visitors responded strongly. Tomas Domene (13’) found space inside the circle to fire home the equaliser, ensuring the first quarter ended with the scores locked at 1–1.
Goal Rush in Second Quarter
The second quarter exploded into life with three goals inside two minutes. Paul Philipp Kaufmann (17’) put the Dragons back in front with a brilliant diving finish, but the joy was short-lived as Domene (18’) calmly converted a penalty stroke to complete his brace.
Barely had the celebrations died down when Tom Craig (18’) restored the Dragons’ advantage with a powerful penalty corner strike, handing the hosts a 3–2 lead at half-time.
End-to-End Third Quarter
Accord Tamil Nadu Dragons started the second half brightly, creating early chances, but it was SG Pipers who made their pressure count. A penalty corner was neatly dispatched by Ky Willott (38’) to make it 3–3.
The Dragons responded immediately. Selvaraj Kanagaraj (40’) produced a moment of individual brilliance inside the circle, deftly deflecting the ball into the net to put the Dragons back in front at 4–3 as the third quarter came to a close.
Lalage Forces Shootout
With time running out in the final quarter, SG Pipers threw everything forward. They earned another penalty corner in the 51st minute but failed to convert. Showing attacking intent, they took the bold decision to replace their goalkeeper with an extra outfield player in the closing minutes.
The gamble paid off. With just over a minute remaining, Aditya Lalage (59’) struck a sensational field goal to draw the Pipers level once again, forcing the game into a dramatic shootout.
Tamil Nadu Dragons Perfect from the Spot
The shootout was a test of composure. SG Pipers converted four of their five attempts — all through penalty strokes following repeated infringements — but the Dragons were flawless, converting all five of their chances to secure a 5–4 shootout victory and the valuable bonus point.
The thrilling encounter further highlighted the unpredictable and high-octane nature of the Hero Hockey India League, with the Chennai crowd treated to one of the matches of the season.
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