ExxonMobil Indoor Championships: Pepsi Hikers, Bounty GCC, Saints Sensations open with wins
Teams have shared the spoils on the opening night of the ExxonMobil National Indoor Championships as hockey had its long-anticipated return to local competition after almost a two-year hiatus.
The Pepsi Hikers were their usual dominant selves as they amassed the largest victory margin of the entire tournament over ‘50 Not Out’ with their 10–3 win in the men’s first division competition. The Guyana 40s surprised the speedy YMCA Old Fort with a 3-0 victory, while Saints made it hard work for Bounty GCC in the early going, but faded to lose 1-3, completing the night of first division matches.
National midfielder Jamarj Assanah controlled the game for the Pepsi Hikers
The Hikers looked the coolest on show, and their victory was never in doubt, as the national strike trio of Jamarj Assanah, Captain Robert France and the diminutive Aroydy Branford raided the 50 Not Out goal continuously.
Misfits’ midfielder Bushani Kaladeen being guarded by the Saints’ defence
National women’s goalkeeper Alysa Xavier, however, the only female in the men’s competition due to her quality, managed to make several fine saves to prevent what could have been a much higher scoreline against 50 Not Out.
In the women’s competition, Tekeisha Deleon seemed to be everywhere on the court, the inspirational team leader and captain leading from the front by scoring two of her team’s three goals to pull off a 3-0 win over Misfits.
National striker Nicole Eastman managed to score the third goal to see Saints to a comfortable victory.
The men’s second division action saw more success for Saints, as their Saints Sensations outclassed the newcomers GCC War Dogs by 5-0. Sean Sookhai and Naresh Mahadeo each scored doubles to lead the scoresheet for the match. GCC had a tough night in the second division, as the Hikers Cadets came from behind to edge the GCC Pitbulls 2-1 in their second division clash.
Full results are as follows:
MALE Division
Pepsi Hikers defeated 50 Not Out by 10-3
Goals:
Pepsi Hikers (10) – Aroydy Branford 4, Robert France 2, Jamarj Assanah 1, Orlando Machado 1, Randy Hope 1, Shane Samuels 1.
50 Not Out (3) – Philip Fernandes 2, Orson Ferguson 1.
Guyana 40s defeated YMCA Old Fort by 3-0
Goals:
Guyana 40s (3) – Chris Low-Koan 1, Devin Munroe 1, Dwayne Scott 1
