A MUCH improved Old Fort ‘A’ squared off with the Hikers ‘A’ for the first match of the second round when action in the Banks DIH Limited-sponsored, Guyana Hockey Federation (GHF)-organised Night Hockey tournament continued at the Banks DIH Thirst Park ground last Monday night.
In their recent first round clash, the 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 taking the fight to their opponents.
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’s circle and smoothly guided it around flatfooted goalkeeper Michel Smith.  France out-duelled Smith twice more in the half to take his and the team’s tally to three at the half.
The second half saw more see-saw action but the 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 was mistimed by Hikers goalkeeper Azad De Abreu.
The score ended at 3-1 in favour of the Hikers taking them to the top of the first division pool.
The female GCC Tigers put up a brave fight against second division pool-leaders, the 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, which was the lone goal of the contest.
The Hikers Generals took the field next against GCC ‘B’ with 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 would separate the teams giving the GCC side the 1-0 victory.  Old Fort ‘B’ gave up another walkover, this time to the Hikers ladies who secured their first points of the tournament.
Hikers ‘A’ now lead the men’s first division pool with 6 points, followed by GCC ‘A’ on 3 and Old Fort ‘A’ who are yet to record a point. 
The Hikers Cadets have edged 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.  The Hikers ladies follow with 4 points, the Hikers Generals on 2 and Old Fort in the cellar with 0.
Matches continue tonight at the same venue. Hikers ladies take on GCC ‘B’, GCC Tigers clash with the Hikers Generals and Hikers Cadets face Old Fort ‘B’, while Hikers ‘A’  oppose GCC ‘A’ in a first-division encounter to culminate the night’s activities.