Latest update February 21st, 2025 6:25 AM
National Junior Men’s Hockey team opens account at Players Tournament
The National Men’s Junior Hockey
Guyana’s National Junior Men’s Hockey team got off to a slow start in their opening match at the Players Tournament against Malvern Sports Club. The Guyanese struggled to adjust to the fast pace of the artificial turf and were given a master class in free flowing, high tempo hockey by a Malvern side which boasted five senior national players. By the end of the first half the Guyanese found themselves down 0-3.
After making some tactical adjustments at half time Guyana firmed up their defence and scored one goal in the third quarter through a Keon McKenzie Tomahawk shot. The lead was then cut to one when Aroydy Branford latched onto a pass from Captain Mark Sargeant and sent a diving reverse shot under the advancing goalkeeper. Now within sight of tying up the score, Guyana employed a high press but this tactic also left them vulnerable to counterattacks. Malvern went ahead 4-2 when a misdirected clearance from goalkeeper Medroy Scotland rebounded favorably to a Malvern forward who made no mistake with the finish.
Senior national Shaquille Daniels then put the Trinidadian side up 5-2, with a brilliant individual run which he finished powerfully past Scotland’s left post. The Guyanese didn’t flinch and scored less than a minute later with a Paramanand Dindial tap in on the last post off a Branford shot that was going wide of the upright. Although Guyana continued to press the Malvern defence held strong and maintained the advantage to end 5-3 victors.
In their second match of the day against Queens Park, Guyana found themselves down early in the first quarter once again. Despite creating several goal scoring opportunities over the next two quarters the Guyanese forwards failed to convert. It was not until late in the fourth quarter that Captain Mark Sargeant drew his side level with a spectacular dive to finish a Hilton Chester through pass. The goal seemed to breathe new energy into the Guyana attack. Playmaker Branford weaved his way through three defenders then sent a powerful tomahawk shot toward the last post which was put in by Ato Greene. Guyana then dropped to half court and played solid defence to preserve their lead for the final five minutes.
On day two Guyana rested their captain Sargeant and midfielder Leon Bacchus for their match against the under-21 training squad. Although completely dominating the match Guyana’s finishing was again poor but they managed to keep a clean sheet and run out 2-0 victors compliments of a Branford double.
Although Monday is a tournament rest day, Guyana were down to take on Trinidad’s powerful national under-21 team which features several senior national players who recently returned from the Pan American games in Toronto, Canada. Both teams are preparing for the Pan American junior championships which are scheduled for Canada next year. The one off match was to take place at the National Hockey Center.
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