Bhubaneswar, 26/1:In a major sporting development, double strike by dependable drag-flicker Alexander Hendrickx powered Vedanta Kalinga Lancers to a 3-2 win over Ranchi Royals in the Hockey India League final here at the Kalinga Stadium on Monday. Earlier, Amandeep Lakra scored a brace as Hyderabad Toofans defeated HIL GC 4-3 to finish third in the league.
Lancers started quite aggressively and earned a penalty corner in the fourth minute, which was duly converted by Hendrickx to give him team a 1-0 lead. Royals’ Hundal Araijeet Singh, however, scored a field goal in the ninth minute to make it 1-1.
The home team dominated the second quarter and was rewarded with six short corners. In the 25th minute, Royals’ goalkeeper failed to put away Hendrickx’s powerful dragflick and Dilpreet Singh made no mistake by slamming home a goal. A couple of minutes later Hendrickx scored his second goal of the match to give his team a 3-1 lead.
After the change of sides, it was a challenge between Lancers’ defense and Royals’ attack. The Royals got five PCβs in the last quarter, but the highest goal scorer of the season, Tom Boon, could score just once in the 59th minute. All credit goes to Lancers’ goalkeeper Krishan Pathak, who thwarted opponents’ attacks and made sure his side emerge winners
