Latest update February 4th, 2025 9:06 AM
Bounty One-Day Hockey Challenge…Pepsi Hikers, Bokra claim titles
The Pepsi Hikers reversed an earlier defeat at the hands of arch-rivals 
GCC to pull off a 1-0 victory in the men’s final of the Bounty One-Day Hockey Challenge which was played on Sunday, at the National Stadium.
In the female segment, Bokra grabbed the title after defeating Flora GCC 3-1 on penalty flicks after regulation ended in a 0-0 stalemate.
In the men’s final, the competitive rivalry could be felt from the opening whistle as both teams seemed determined to claim the victory. Speedy forward Robert France of the Pepsi Hikers made several early forays in the GCC defensive area, but was met with equal pace and firm tackling from GCC central defender Dwayne Scott.
It was veteran GCC midfielder Alan Fernandes, who created the first major threat on the Hikers goal with a scorching shot from the top of the circle which was deflected over the top bar to the roar of the spectators.
As the game approached its ninth minute, Hikers strung together a quick build-up through the left that caught the GCC defence struggling to adjust and left an unmarked France on the far post for the tip in.
With the score at 1-0, Hikers adjusted by falling back to protect their lead around their already secure defence marshalled by Jerazeno Bell.
The skilful GCC midfielders, Kevin Spencer, Orland Semple and Stuart Gonsalves orchestrated several attacks into the Hikers defensive area, but the wall of green proved impenetrable.
Although both teams created a few chances in the dying moments, Pepsi Hikers managed to hold onto their 1-0 margin to claim the men’s division trophy.
The women’s final proved to be an even closer affair as it took a penalty shootout after full time to separate the teams.
Bokra, a side made up of mostly under-21 national players, managed to eventually pull off the victory by a 3-1 margin over Flora GCC.
GCC squandered several chances in the early minutes of the game as strikers Kerensa Fernandes and Carol Caine were able to gain position on their junior counterparts.
Trisha Woodroffe at central midfield for Bokra, however, was the launching point of their counterattacks which saw the dangerous Gabriella Xavier troubling the GCC backline on a number of solo runs.
With the score still levelled at 0-0 after full time, the teams went into a penalty shootout. While GCC’s Captain Sonia Jardine was only member of her side to score against Bokra goalkeeper and Captain Alysa Xavier, Gabriella Xavier, Trisha Woodroffe and Ashley DeGroot each converted their penalties to secure the win.
Michael Xavier of GCC received the Most Valuable Players trophy for the men’s competition, while Trisha Woodroffe of Bokra received the accolade for the women.
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