THE finalists of the Men’s and Women’s categories of the Lucozade Indoor Hockey tournament have been confirmed, following intense semi-final action on Wednesday evening at Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.
In the women’s division, the leading team, GCC Spartans, went up against YMCA Old Fort Igniters, beating them 6-3.
The umpires called a technicality against the Old Fort women, and a penalty stroke was awarded to GCC. Madison Fernandes took the shot for her team and delivered as was expected. Romichelle Brumell responded almost immediately in the 9th minute.
However, this tie did not last long as the GCC Spartans did not hold back and netted four more goals before Igniters could respond, with Julia Gouveia converting both penalty corners. With 1 minute on the clock, GCC Alysa Xavier netted the final goal for her team.
In the other semi-final of the women’s division, Woodpecker Hikers beat GCC Tigers after the game went down to a penalty shootout.
At the final whistle, the women were 1-1 after a hard-fought game from both sides. Rene James, Latacia Chung, and Maria Munroe all converted for Hikers. In contrast, the lone scorer for GCC was Sonia Jardine while Vanessa Peres was denied by Hikers goalkeeper, Anesa Permaul.
What can be considered one of the most compelling games of the night in the men’s B group saw Bounty GCC Pitbulls advance to the final after edging Pepsi Hikers 6-5.
The fast-paced, high-intensity match between the two saw GCC Kevin Spencer bore Hikers’ net four times.
Playing without a goalkeeper, Hikers men tried to defend their goal, but Bounty GCC capitalised on their opponents’ misfortune and scored at every opportunity.
The game was tied at 5, in the 40th minute. However, as seconds counted down, a penalty corner was awarded to GCC. With no keeper in the goal, GCC men made light work by hitting the backboard easily.
In the final semi-final of the evening, the YMCA Old Fort outscored Hikers Cadets 4-3. Warren Williams, Simeon Moore, Daheron Wilkinson and vice-captain Shaquan Favorite all scored for Old Fort. Colonel Heywood, who played a beautiful defence, netted a goal for the Cadets along with Devin Munroe and Shane Samuels.
Other teams to advance to the finals today are Saints Conquerors and GCC Spartans in the Under-20 girls and Saints S7N and YMCA Old Fort in the Under-20 boys.
We look forward to seeing you all tonight to witness some competitive finals.
