Rourkela: Hyderabad Toofans delivered a spirited performance to defeat UP Rudras 3-0, securing their first outright victory in the Hero Hockey India League on Wednesday. Goals from Zachary Wallace (6'), Rajinder Singh (14'), and Shilanand Lakra (32') helped the Toofans clinch the winning points and move up to fifth place on the points table.

Positioned at the bottom of the table, Hyderabad Toofans demonstrated their determination to win from the outset. With an impressive attacking structure on display, they took a commanding 2-0 lead in the opening quarter. Zachary Wallace scored the first goal in the sixth minute with a remarkable back-handed shot, while attacking midfielder Nilakanta Sharma set up Rajinder Singh for an excellent field goal in the 14th minute.

Starting on the backfoot, UP Rudras attempted to regain momentum in the second quarter. They created a strong opportunity through a penalty corner (PC). Hardik Singh's precise injection was well-received by Kane Russell, but Toofans' goalkeeper Dominic Dixon made a brilliant save. Though Hardik picked up the rebound and took another shot, Dixon was exceptional in his defence. The Toofans later earned a PC themselves but failed to extend their lead.

The third quarter saw Toofans increase their advantage to 3-0 in the 32nd minute. An interception while Hardik was in possession led to Shilanand Lakra scoring a goal with a shot that slipped between UP Rudras' goalkeeper Prashant Kumar Chauhan’s legs and into the net. This goal put considerable pressure on the Rudras.

In the 49th minute, Floris Wortelboer helped the Rudras win a critical PC. Hardik’s injection was on point again, but Dixon managed to block Russell’s effort. Despite earning two successive PCs, Toofans’ captain Sumit made a diving clearance to deny them. With six minutes remaining, Rudras secured another PC, but Sam Ward’s shot went wide.

In the final moments, with just 46 seconds left before the final hooter, Toofans earned a PC. Gonzalo Peillat’s powerful flick was stopped by goalkeeper James Mazarelo. On a re-award, Peillat attempted another shot, but the injection lacked the precision required to convert. Nonetheless, the Toofans successfully defended their 3-0 lead, marking their maiden victory in this season of the HIL.