GCC, Hikers to contest Mr Toppers final tonight

The curtains will come down on the Mr Toppers Six-a-side Indoor Hockey tournament this evening with the finals of the men’s first division, men’s second division and ladies competition at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall starting at 18:00 hours.

Georgetown Cricket Club ‘A’ who stopped the marauding and previously unbeaten Hikers ‘A’ in their final preliminary match will square off once again with the Hikers in the men’s first division final.

Carib Degenerates will square off with Hikers in the men’s second division finals while GCC teams Tigers and Spartans will contest the ladies final.

Before the finals, Old Fort ‘A’ will take on  Western Dragons in the fifth place playoff, the National squad will oppose GCC ‘B’ for third place while Hikers will clash with Piranhas in the ladies third place playoff.

In the final round of preliminary matches on Wednesday evening, GCC stunned the unbeaten Hikers 5-4 in a close encounter.

Kevin Spencer sent GCC into the lead in the opening minute of play but Jerry Bell scored twice in quick succession to give the Hikers team the team.

Shane Semple pushed Hikers further ahead before Devin Hooper and Orland Semple levelled the score  but Robert France found the back of the net to secure a 4-3 lead at  half time for Hikers.

The second half produced more exciting hockey as Spencer pulled GCC level in four minutes with a well-placed shot.  Hikers earned a penalty stroke five minutes from full time but goalkeeper Shad Fernandes, known more for his football exploits, denied Jerry Bell with a fine save to his left.

With the fans at the edge of their seats, Orland Semple slammed home the final goal of the game with a blistering shot past DeAbreu’s left shoulder to pull of the 5-4 victory for GCC.

The men’s nationals duelling for a spot in the final failed in their bid against the Old Fort ‘A’ in their men’s ‘A’ division clash.

With Old Fort noticeably missing the services of the Simon brothers, it was up to the in-form John Abrahams to lead his team to a come-from- behind 4-4 draw. Abrahams netted the final two goals for Old Fort in the 31st and final minute of the match which followed goals from teammates Jason DeSantos and Dwayne Allen in the 11th and 26th minutes respectively.

Bell netted a double for the nationals with Shane Samuels and Devin Munroe adding one each.

In the other men’s A division match of the evening, the GCC ‘B’ further sank cellar dwellers Western Dragons by 5-1 with goals from Rafael DeGroot, Stuart Gonsalves, Andrew Xavier and a double from Eric Hing.  Donwes Austin was the lone scorer for the Dragons.

Dominique DeGroot playing inspiring hockey scored the lone goal in the ladies clash between her Spartans and the Dragons.  DeGroot’s strike would upset the balance of the table earning them a spot in the final.  The Carib Degenerates rounded out the night by gaining an easy victory in their men’s ‘B’ division clash against the Old Fort ‘B’ by 8-2.

Rawl Davson led the Degenerates’ goal-raid with a hat trick which was supported by doubles from Timothy Jonas and Marcus Fiedtkou and one from Tristan Gomes.

Colis Allen and Clarence Edwards were the scorers for Old Fort.