THE Pepsi Hikers edified their younger counterparts, Saints, on the fine points of indoor hockey with a clinical opening win in the feature clash of night two in the GTT National Indoor Hockey Championships, on Tuesday evening, at Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.
The long-standing champions, who are favourites for the Division One male title again this year were solid in all facets of their game, although they had not played as a unit in months.

On the court, the lack of playing time was not evident as the Hikers executed their passes and runs with precision. Leading the charge was Aroydy Branford, who was involved (through scoring and assisting) in six of his team’s goals in the 7-3 win.
He scored twice in the first half, first via a high shot that evaded the outstretched arms of the goalie then a flat shot in front of the box.

Although Saints’ players were outclassed, they had their moments of glory and proved that they are a quality side.
Baraka Garnett was one of the shining stars and his breakaway on the right side in the 17th minute gave the young side hope, but Branford was the dream killer and his bullet, passed from the right side to Robert France who struck it home before the goalie could react, made it 3-1 at the break.

Branford’s second assist came early in the second period, when he found Randy Hope. Two minutes later the Hikers’ aggressive pace and precise passing resulted in Leon Bacchus finding Devin Munroe to make it 5-1.

Saints skipper Hilton Chase kept his team alive after he scored twice via quality plays, but Hikers were too good and Branford was their trump card, as he slotted home two more goals to ensure a comfortable opening victory.

Defending female champions Woodpecker Hikers also proved their might after rolling to their second consecutive victory when they disposed of the YMCA Old Fort Bloods by a 2-1 margin, despite playing without goalscorer in their opener, Nicole Eastman, for most of the second period after she was red-carded in the 28th minute of play.

Seasoned player Maria Munroe scored twice (3rd and 30th minutes) for the winners, while Minsodia Culpepper pulled one back in the 35th minute for Old Fort.
As on the opening night, Tuesday evening also had six games.

In a second division male Group B clash, the YMCA Old Fort Top Form were able to get past recent outdoor champions, Bounty GCC The Sequel, by a margin of 3-0, while in a Group A second division clash, Saints Sensation registered their second win with a 3-1 victory against Hikers Cadets.

Meanwhile, Saints females lost again when they met GBTI GCC Spice in the first women’s clash of the night. That game ended 2-0 after Tiffany Soloman and Sandy Roopnarine found the back of the net.

In the Over-35 division, Bounty GCC Vintage were able to edge out YMCA Old Fort Hot Shotz by a 5-4 margin.