Kane Russell hat-trick powers HIL GC past Tamil Nadu Dragons

Kane Russell scored his third hat-trick of the season as HIL GC defeated Tamil Nadu Dragons 4-2 in Ranchi. Sam Ward added a goal, while Blake Govers and Uttam Singh scored for the Dragons, who suffered their first loss of the season

Ranchi: Kane Russell scored his third hat-trick of the season as HIL GC defeated Tamil Nadu Dragons 4-2 in the Men’s Hockey India League (HIL) 2025-26 at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astro Turf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi on Monday.

Russell struck in the 14th, 33rd and 47th minutes, while Sam Ward (23’) added the other goal for HIL GC. Blake Govers (32’) and Uttam Singh (56’) scored for Accord Tamil Nadu Dragons.

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The Dragons began strongly as Tom Craig unleashed a powerful back-handed shot in the second minute, but HIL GC goalkeeper James Mazarelo made a fine save. Despite the early pressure, HIL GC dictated play for the rest of the quarter.

In the 12th minute, HIL GC earned back-to-back penalty corners but failed to convert. Two minutes later, Russell powered home his seventh goal of the season to give his side the lead.

HIL GC doubled the advantage in the 23rd minute when Lalit Kumar Upadhyay dribbled past his marker and set up Sam Ward, who tapped in from close range.

The Dragons pulled one back in the 32nd minute through Blake Govers, but Russell restored the two-goal cushion a minute later with his second strike.

The Dragons pressed hard and created several circle entries, but Mazarelo stood firm in goal. In the 47th minute, Russell completed his hat-trick with a powerful dragflick past goalkeeper Prince Deep Singh.

Uttam Singh reduced the margin in the 56th minute, but despite 30 circle penetrations, the Dragons could not break down the HIL GC defence.

This was the Dragons’ first loss of the season, while HIL GC went to the top of the table with 10 points.