Sparks fly on exciting opening night

THE Diamond Mineral Water Hockey Festival 2022 kicked off on Thursday night at Cliff Anderson Sports Hall with a number of thrilling matches.
GCC Vintage and YMCA Old Fort opened the tournament in fine fashion in the Guinness Over-45 division. Roger Daniel of YMCA Old Fort, supported by his teammates, smashed four consecutive goals into the opposing team’s net which contributed to their 6-2 victory.

Queen’s Park Cricket Club (QPCC) of T&T and Antonio’s Hikers, competing in the Guinness Over-35 division, also put on a good show for the crowd. The skilful Jerazeno Bell led his team to a 7-4 victory against their opponents, scoring four of the impressive seven goals. Shane Samuels of Hikers also scored two spicy goals for Antonio’s Hikers.

In the TLC women’s division, Woodpecker Hikers faced off with YMCA Old Fort. Hikers captain Maria Munroe led the charge when she flicked the ball into Old Fort’s goal in the 18th minute. Her teammates Clayza Bobb and Latacia Chung scored a goal each to end the game at 3-2.

Additionally, GBTI GCC dominated their game in the TLC women’s division against the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) team. GCC did not concede any goals and ended their game with a resounding 7-0 score line. The captain Gabriella Xavier and teammate, Sonia Jardine scored two goals each.

In the men’s division, Saints went up against YMCA Old Fort with exhilarating display of youthful skill. The teams were tied 2-2 in the third quarter when Shakeem Fausette of Saints tipped the scale in their favour with a delightful goal. Seconds were on the clock before Saints conceded a penalty corner followed by a penalty stroke but held their ground to a 3-2 victory.

Later in the opening night, Bounty GCC clashed with the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) team in the men’s division. TTPS held the lead throughout the game ending with a 5-2 victory against their opponents. Captain Jordan Reynos, along with his teammates Jabari Perez and Mark Ayen were the goalscorers.

Action continues at Cliff Anderson Sports Hall tomorrow. Look out for our concomitant social events on all Guyana Hockey Board social media pages.