IN what one would describe now as possibly the most exciting tournament on the local hockey calendar, the annual Noble House Goals Galore Indoor Hockey Championship is set for the National Gymnasium from today to Sunday. The Goals Galore clash is the only local handicap tournament for hockey where teams begin with different goal tallies’ aimed at making more matches competitive and pressing top teams to perform at the optimum level irrespective of the opposition.
The competition comprises two divisions consisting of the top teams in hockey tournaments for the year. The A Division features top teams in ‘Bounty GCC’, Hikers Generals, Old Fort ‘A’, GCC Brodras and Hikers Cadets. Bounty GCC with a zero handicap are the defending champions of the senior division but former junior division champs, the Hikers Cadets (+3) have moved up a division this year to make a challenge.
The A division remains wide open with several teams capable of high goal tallies.  Defending champs Bounty GCC (0) have been consistent in making several appearances in finals recent;y, but stumbling at the last hurdle. They will be led by the ultra-competitive Dwayne Scott and skilful Orland Semple and Kevin Spencer.
Old Fort (+2) have been brilliant at times with Aderemi Simon being among the country’s best performers on any given night but their challenge will be to maintain consistency throughout the tournament.
The discipline and cohesion of the Hikers Generals (0) make them one of the top indoor sides in the region with an unmatched record locally.
Captain Devin Munroe will once again be at the helm while the speed of Robert France and the talent of Reon Brandford will be vital assets in support. The GCC Brodras (+3) are a fit and entertaining side while the Hikers Cadets (+3) feature many of the country’s talented junior nationals including the Assanah brothers and Captain Leroy Jack.
The B Division features 4 ladies’ teams and 3 junior men’s teams, largely comprising players coming out of the recent schools’ programme. The Flora GCC Tigers (0) are ranked top in this division and have enjoyed great success in recent years. Led by the mesmerising stick work of captain Sonia Jardine, recent MVP Gabriella Xavier and goalkeeping prodigy Alysa Xavier, they will prove a difficult side to beat.
Archrivals the Hikers Divas (+4) will showcase the exciting prowess of Maria Munroe and Cora Towler along with the blistering speed of captain Avonda James. The GCC Snipers (+2) will showcase a combination of former nationals in strikers Tricia Fiedtkou and Brennette Gordon, along with their junior counterparts of the club.
Hikers Revelation (+8) consists of a group of young, enterprising ladies, led by captain Macaela Harding and will improve with every match. Old Fort Juniors (+5), Saints (+5) and the GCC Pitbulls will feature some of the very talented players who are new to the game but have a good enough handicap to create an upset and claim the gold.
Matches begin this evening at 17:30hrs with the GCC Pitbulls playing Old Fort in the junior division followed by Saints versus the Flora GCC Tigers. The tournament continues throughout the weekend with the finals being contested on Sunday at 17:20 hrs..