Western Union Hikers squeezed past defending champions Georgetown Cricket Club while Old Fort brushed aside Airbenders in the opening matches of the John Fernandes Insurance Services second division hockey league Sunday at GCC ground, Bourda.
The youthful Hikers side got off to a flying start when Shaquille Assanah sent his team into the lead in the 2nd minute of play even as GCC were formalising their attack.
Aroydy Brandford sent Hikers further into the lead in the 9th minute to take a 2-0 lead. GCC’s Mark Sargeant struck in the 25th minute as Hikers went into half time leading 2-1.
The second half provided much entertainment when Steven Xavier equalised in the 48th minute.
However, Brandford scored his second goal in the 49th minute to seal the deal for Hikers.
Old Fort seemed a much improved side this year as they took the field against the Airbenders (National ladies squad).
Airbenders, enjoyed good build-ups and possession in the first 20 minutes of the game. However Old Fort found their rhythm which produced the first goal just before half time as Alyssa Xavier saved the first shot of a penalty corner but Onassis Fraser netted from the rebound.
Old Fort netted again when Deon Carew swept another rebound into the net in the second half to give the South Ruimveldt-based team a comfortable 2-0 win.
The teams were met before the start of the match by Terrence Solomon, Manager of John Fernandes Insurance Services and President of the Guyana Hockey Board, Philip Fernandes.
The tournament continues Saturday with newcomers Saints coming up against All Greys, a side made of several former national players.
That game is scheduled for 14:30 hours.
The second game will bring together Old Fort and Hikers at 16:00 hours.
On Sunday GCC will clash with Saints at 14:30hrs while All Greys will meet the Airbenders at 16:00hrs at the same venue.
