Lalremsiami hat-trick helps India hammer England

A hat-trick by forward Lalremsiami helped the Indian women’s hockey team hammer England 3-0 to register their first victory at the 100th Anniversary Spanish Hockey Federation International Tournament in Terrassa on Saturday.

India top the three-team standings after drawing against England (1-1) and Spain (2-2) in the previous two matches earlier this week. They will play the final match of the tournament against hosts Spain on Sunday which will decide whether the Savita Punia-led team finishes first or second as England will finish third.

The match began with England dominating with speedy attacks as India worked calmly to stitch together an effective structure that would yield results. While it was Neha Goyal who attempted India’s first shot on goal, it was a long pass by the experienced Deep Grace Ekka from deep midfield that was swiftly deflected into the goal by Lalremsiami in the 13th minute.

The early goal gave India the momentum going into the second quarter as they were able to extend the lead to 2-0 in the 17th minute when a good circle penetration saw the 23-year-old Lalremsiami score her second. The Mizoram player, in her 112th international, showcased strong footwork, picking up the ball and pumping it past England goalie Sabbie Heesh.

The lead gave India chief coach Janneke Schopman the cushion to try out different combinations. While the third quarter remained goalless after England squandered multiple opportunities, India held on with some solid defending that kept them in control of the match.

With England desperately trying to find ways to bounce back, the last quarter was entertaining with both teams displaying quickfire hockey. England could not beat India’s defence but Lalremsiami struck again in the 56th minute to help India seal the match 3-0.

Lalremsiami is now the leading scorer of the tournament with four goals.

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