Bengal Tigers Would Look to Build on their Strong Start in Men’s Hockey India League

Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers have cut an impressive figure in the 6th Men’s Hockey India League at Rourkela. The Kolkata franchise – one of the two teams featuring from the eastern belt of the country have shown in their league opener that they would be a strong contender in the knockout phase.

Read Colin Batch Upbeat About Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers Roaring in the Hockey India League

Coached by illustrious Australian Colin Batch, Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers were up against some ‘competitive resistance’ from Hyderabad Toofans, but subsequently braved that out and played to their strengths to carry the day.

The Tigers roared big time at the Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium with a 3-0 lead by early second half with goals from Jugraj Singh, Sukhjeet Singh and Affan Yousuf – both the field goals showed the class and calibre of Sukhjeet and Affan.

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The Resolute Sports-owned Hyderbad Toofans choose the closing stages of the third quarter to announce their comeback when Rohit Singh orchestrated a fine move from the left for a tap-in by Tim Brand. Hyderabad Toofans’ star drag-flicker Gonzalo Peillat did not have a great time with his drag-flicks but in the dying moments of the game an Arthur De Sloover deflection off a Peillat drag-flick made the scoreline much more respectable even as the Bengal Tigers logged full points in the only game so far that was decided in regulation time and did not have to take the shootout route.

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The Tigers played as well as unit with the likes of goalkeeper Jamie Carr, Jugraj Singh, Gauthier Boccard, Sam Lane, Sean Findlay, Florent Van Aubel, Abhishek, Affan and Sukhjeet exuding so much promise for the future. One can hope to see the Tigers really turn on the style in the upcoming games.