Hikers ‘B’ division boys made a strong bid for a spot in the ‘B’ division final when they got the better of contender Western Dragons by 2-0 as play in the Banks DIH Night hockey tournament continued Friday evening at Thirst Park.
Carib Degenerates chalked up their first win with a 3-1 defeat of the Hikers ladies while pool leaders GCC ‘B’ and Old Fort ‘B’ battled to a 2-2 draw in the other matches of the evening.
The match was crucial for both teams as they seek to book a place in the final but it was the Hikers who sprang a surprise against the fit West Demerara side.
The Hikers produced their usual well-rehearsed and disciplined passing game while the Dragons relied more on long hits and individual charges, using their speed and condition effectively.
Despite a good performance by both teams, the Hikers would separate themselves through superior finishing.
Shaquille Assanah netted the game’s first goal in the 13th minute while three minutes in to the second half Akeem Thompson found the back of the net to clinch victory for the Hikers.
Old Fort ‘B’ produced their best performance of the tournament when they held ‘B’ division pool leaders GCC to a 2-2 draw in the match that followed.
Old Fort came out of the blocks with a blistering start as they amassed a two goal-lead by the 11th minute with field goals from newcomer Shamar Pemberton and veteran Robert Hussein. GCC took some time to gain their stride and strengthened their formation with the addition of Shad Fernandes in midfield.
Trevon Smith led the comeback charge with a goal in the 21st minute and Orin Mayers scored the equaliser in the 35th.
Earlier, Carib Degenerates almost fell victim to their own complacency as minnows, the Hikers ladies, managed a goal against them through Tonza Sarabo.
The Degenerates would up a gear however and cruise to an easy 4-1 victory with goals from Timothy Jonas who hit a double while Brian Asregado and Rawl Davson scored one each.
The Hikers ‘A’ and GCC ‘A’, having already both made the first division final agreed to defer their final pool match against each other to the final.
Meanwhile, GCC ‘B’ with 14 points have already secured a place in the ‘B’ division final and await the challenge between the Hikers ‘B’ with 12 and Western Dragons on nine points for the second spot.
If the Dragons defeat the scoreless Hikers ladies in their final pool match tomorrow then the Hikers will need a win against Old Fort ‘B’ to avoid the decision going down to goal difference.
The Flora GCC ladies currently sit in fourth place with seven points followed by the Carib Degenerates on four, Old Fort on two and the Hikers ladies without a point.
Matches continue at Thirst Park tomorrow with the Flora GCC ladies playing the Carib Degenerates, the Hikers ladies challenging the Western Dragons and the Hikers ‘B’ versus Old Fort ‘B’.
Matches begin at 18:30hrs.
