Latest update November 26th, 2024 1:00 AM
Hikers lead first division pool in Banks ‘Nite’ hockey
A much improved Old Fort ‘A’ squared off with the Hikers ‘A’ for the first match of the second round in the Banks ‘Nite’ Hockey Tournament which continued on Monday, at the Thirst Park ground.
In their recent first round clash, Hikers had outclassed Old Fort coming away with an easy 5-0 victory, but the opening whistle saw a more determined and composed Old Fort unit.
Robert France
While the teams battled evenly in the opening 10 minutes of the match, it would not be a night for the goalkeepers and Old Fort’s custodian made it easy for the Hikers to register their opener in the 8th minute through Robert France.
France received a high ball in the Old Fort circle and smoothly guided it around flatfooted goalkeeper Mickel Smith.
France outdueled Smith twice more in the half to take his and the team’s tally to 3 at the half.
The second half saw more seesaw action, but Hikers seemed comfortable to sit on their lead, while Old Fort, in desperation to close the gap eventually made a breakthrough by a shot from Compton Dolphin which produced a blunder by Hikers goalkeeper Azad DeAbreu. The score ended at 3-1 in favour of the Hikers which took them to the top of the first division pool.
The female GCC Tigers put up a brave fight against second division pool-leaders, Hikers Cadets in the opening clash of the evening and held the score at 0-0 at the half.
Although the game started on an even keel, the Cadets capitalised on their extra speed and created several chances in the second half, before finally breaking the deadlock through Aroydy Branford in the 34th minute.
The game finished at 1-0 in favour of the Cadets who now lead the second division pool. Hikers Generals took the field next against GCC ‘B’ in a match that ended in similar fashion, but this time for the Bourda side.
An Andrew Xavier first-time strike six minutes into the second half separated the teams, giving the GCC side the 1-0 victory.
Old Fort ‘B’ gave up another walkover, this time to Hikers ladies who secured their first points of the tournament.
Hikers ‘A’ now leads the men’s first division pool with 6 points, followed by GCC ‘A’ on 3 and Old Fort ‘A’ scoreless.
Hikers Cadets have forged into the lead of the second division competition with 7 points, while the female GCC Tigers and GCC ‘B’ share a close second position with 6 points each.
Hikers’ ladies follow on 4 points with Hikers Generals on 2 and Old Fort in the cellar, yet to score a point.
Matches continue tonight with Hikers ladies taking on GCC ‘B’, GCC Tigers engaging Hikers Generals and Hikers Cadets versus Old Fort ‘B’.
Hikers ‘A’ face off against GCC ‘A’ in the lone First D fixture which is the final game of the night.
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