ACTION in the GTT National Indoor Hockey Championship continued on Friday evening at the National Gymnasium with six pulsating matches. The second-division teams kicked things off and GCC Pitbulls clashed with Saints. An exciting first half it was as the score was tied 1-1 before the half-time buzzer.
Both teams made very strong attempts to score again, but to no avail. In the last half however, Trevon Smith of GCC decided that enough was enough and scored two goals two minutes apart, giving his team the lead they needed to win the match. Saints scored nothing in the second half and critics say that the disappointment on their manager’s face was cringe-worthy.
The ladies took to the floor in the second match as Pizza Hut’s GCC vied against Old Fort Lady Bugs. Old Fort did not stand a chance, as GCC showed why they deserve the number one spot.
At the half, GCC led the Lady Bugs 4-0 and it seemed to many spectators that there was no revival in sight for Old Fort. Those spectators were correct as GCC added four more goals in the second half. The Lady Bugs managed to score just one, but it was surely in vain.
Sonia Jardine led the scoreboard with two goals and she also initiated GCC’s attack to victory. Evaluation should be the Lady Bugs’ plan now.
In the third match of the evening second-division teams Phoenix and Saints went up against each other. There was no rising from the ashes as the Phoenix were pummelled 6-0 at the final buzzer. Yonnick Peters and Parmanand Dindial played their hearts out as they scored two goals apiece to seal Phoenix’s demise. The second half saw more action than the first, but it did not take away from the sheer skill that was showcased by Saints.
The ladies graced us with their presence again as the fourth match saw GCC Spartans take on Woodpecker Hikers. It was a duel to the end as both teams came prepared to shed blood, sweat and tears to secure a win. Tekeisha De Leon of the Hikers made the first goal of the game at the 10th minute, but just five minutes later Dominique De Groot of the Spartans levelled the score.
The first half ended in a tie and the ladies came out even stronger in the second half. Dominique De Groot continued her scoring streak with a goal at the beginning of the second half but Latacia Chung of the Hikers responded 10 minutes later with a stunning field. Though there were great efforts the final buzzer sounded with a tied score of 2-2. This just proves that there will be no easy passes in this competition regardless of gender.
Game number five brought out the Veterans as the Hikers fought GCC Vintage. The Vintage team showed us all why there is no substitute for experience as they beat the Hikers 6-0 at the end of play. Dwayne Scott and Devin Hooper scored two goals each and they made it look easy.
The goalie of the Hikers was not ready, it seemed, for what GCC Vintage had to offer and the Hikers suffered greatly. This will certainly make for some interesting leaderboard commentary.
The final match of the evening saw first-division teams GCC Bounty and Old Fort Ravers go head to head in a game that had viewers on the edges of their seats. The final score was 4-3 in favour of the Ravers but it was a hard-fought battle.
GCC Bounty had no intentions of succumbing but ultimately it was Stefon Sprosta of the Ravers who confirmed their win with a field goal in the penultimate minute of play. Kevin Spencer of GCC Bounty added two goals to his team’s tally but they were just shy of the victory. A great match filled with entertainment and a great way to end the night’s proceedings.
Games continued last evening with the semi-finals set for tonight.