HIL 2025-26: Tom Boon’s five-goal show powers Ranchi Royals to 6-2 win against SG Pipers

Ranchi Royals delivered a dominant performance in the Men’s Hockey India League (HIL) clash against SG Pipers, riding on an extraordinary five-goal haul from captain Tom Boon to register a 6-2 victory and underline its attacking prowess in front of a home crowd.

While Mandeep Singh (13’) and Tom Boon (17’, 40’, 41’, 50, 60’) were on the scoresheet for Royals, Tomas Domene (20’) and Gareth Furlong (39’) netted a goal each for Pipers.

Ranchi Royals enjoyed the early share of possession and created the first attacking move of the match, but SG Pipers soon settled into the contest and came close to opening the scoring in the fourth minute when Dilraj Singh’s effort was brilliantly cleared off the goal line by a Royals defender.

The remainder of the quarter saw end-to-end action, with both sides making regular circle penetrations. It was the home team, however, which finally broke the deadlock when Mandeep Singh (13’) was left unmarked inside the circle and fired home to give Ranchi Royals the lead. Royals had a chance to double its advantage in the dying moments after earning a penalty corner with just nine seconds remaining, but a poor trap denied it as the opening quarter ended 1-0 in its favour.

Royals extended its advantage early in the second quarter after being awarded a penalty stroke for a stick tackle, which Boon (17’) converted calmly to make it 2-0.

SG Pipers responded with sustained attacking pressure in search of a way back and was rewarded with its first penalty corner of the match, which Domene (20’) converted to reduce the deficit. Royals continued to probe Pipers’ defence and earned two more penalty corners, but failed to capitalise on either opportunity, allowing it to head into the half-time break with a narrow 2-1 lead.

Notably, SG Pipers’ persistence finally paid off in the third quarter when Gareth Furlong (39’) converted a penalty corner to bring his side back on level terms. The momentum, however, shifted almost immediately as Ranchi Royals struck twice in quick succession. Boon (40’, 41’) converted two penalty corners to complete his hat-trick and restore a two-goal cushion for the host, which headed into the final quarter leading 4-2.

SG Pipers began the fourth quarter hoping to mount a comeback, but Royals quickly tightened its grip on the contest by extending its lead further.

Boon (50’) struck his fourth goal of the night with a powerful close-range finish to all but put the result beyond doubt. The Royals continued to attack relentlessly despite its comfortable advantage, and Boon (60’) had the final say once again, converting a penalty corner in the dying seconds to complete a five-goal haul and seal an emphatic 6-2 victory for the home team, which is now fourth in the points tally.

Published on Jan 14, 2026