HIL: Russell treble tames Bengal Tigers

CHENNAI: HIL GC have stood out in this year’s men’s Hockey India League (HIL), turning penalty corners into a weapon with a remarkable 66.67% conversion rate, well above the tournament average. Kane Russell (19th, 36th and 44th minutes) once again stole the show, netting all of their penalty corner goals and claiming his second consecutive hat-trick as HIL GC cruised to a 6-3 win over defending champions Bengal Tigers here on Wednesday.But nothing can be taken away from goalkeeper James Mazarelo, who earned the man-ofthe-match award.From the very first minute, Mazarelo was under pressure, fending off two early shots while staying composed. Tigers had 34 circle entries, more than double HIL GC’s.Once Tigers bounced back to reduce the deficit to 3-4, HIL GC ran away from there. Russell completed his hat-trick, and James Albery completed the formalities in the penultimate minute of the match. Earlier, with over seven minutes remaining, the reigning champions sacrificed their goalkeeper and pushed desperately. But HIL GC’s defence repeatedly snuffed out the danger.