Bengal Tigers, SG Pipers face off in WHIL title clash

Shrachi Bengal Tigers and SG Pipers both failed to make it to the final of the Women’s Hockey India League (WHIL) in its maiden edition last year. However, the two teams will face off in the summit clash this time at Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astro Turf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi on Saturday. In the group stage, Tigers came out on top on both occasions via the shootouts. In regulation time, while one match was goalless, it was 3-3 in the first instance with Agustina Gorzelany scoring a brace. And all eyes will be on Gorzelany again as to whether she will be able to continue her good showing in the final and lead the Tigers to victory. The Argentine has scored five goals so far from the PCs and Pipers goalkeeper Cristina Cosentino — also from Argentina — is aware of the challenge that awaits them. “I know her from top to bottom. I train with her every day, and we will have to try and stop her drag flicks. For that we must be strategic and not give away many PCs,” said Cosentino. “We will also have to analyze, defend well and try to be brave to put ourselves in front of the ball and not let her score.” Besides Gorzelany, Bengal Tigers’ Lalremsiami will be another player to watch out for. Upfront she has been quite handful with her runs into the D and captain Vandana Katariya spoke highly of her on the eve of the match. “Siami has improved a lot in her game and has matured as a player. She has been very sincere and has tried to learn whenever possible. Despite all the challenges, she never gave up and has dominated the tournament this time,” said Katariya. Pipers, meanwhile, will look up to their captain Navneet Kaur to lead from the front. Like Lalremsiami, she has used her runs to good effect inside the D and scored four goals in six matches. Moreover, her leadership qualities have been inspiring, and for Saturday she wants the players to just enjoy the game. “We will showcase all our qualities in attack and defence, and most importantly, everyone should enjoy playing in the final because it’s a special match where you’re guaranteed a medal,” said the India senior player. The team indeed has had a great time on the field, and it’s been evident in the way the youngsters have performed without pressure and helped the team finish on top of the table. But it’s the overall character of the team that has impressed coach Sofie Gierts the most. “We have amazing personalities. Amazing people with lots of talent. It’s not easy for the players to be in a new group for only 20 days. But the personality and the character will make the difference in the final,” said Gierts on Friday. Gierts has not only been their coach but also helped to empower the players in her own ways like letting the seniors do the pre match talks or naming an Indian-heavy squad for one of their group matches. It now remains to be seen whether they can continue their good run and take the title or whether it will be the Tigers, who will have the bragging rights.