Hikers march closer to c/ship honours

Hikers continued their march to take championship honours with just a few more matches remaining in  the John Fernandes Insurance Service second division hockey tournament.

The Carifesta Avenue-based side edged out Old Fort 2-1 in their latest matches played at St. Stanislaus ground  to hold a firm grasp on the top spot with 27 points, fifteen points clear of their closest rival in their nine matches played to date.

Airbenders have rallied in the second round to secure 12 points followed by Old Fort on 11 and All Greys 10.

GCC with nine points and Saints with five at the bottom half of the table.

GCC and All Greys both have two matches remaining while Saints and the Airbenders have one each.

Hikers overcame Old Fort in a stunning comeback after former Under-21 striker John Abrams had given the Old Fort side the lead in the 34th minute from a penalty corner.

Hikers levelled the score when Jamarj Assanah’s shot was deflected by the Goalkeeper onto the crossbar and the rebound picked up by the enthusiastic Reginald Harper who found the back of the nets with a tap in in the 55th minute.

Old Fort pressed forward but was thwarted by the Hikers Defenders Andrew Steward and Rayon Branford.

A defence lapse by Old Fort gave Hikers a golden chance to score and the goal-hungry Ayoydy Branford hammered home the winner in the 58th minute.

In the opening match of the double header, GCC drew 0-0 with the ever-improving   Saints hockey Club.

The competition continues Friday with All Greys doing battle with All Greys at GCC gorund, Bourda.

Bully off time is 16:45 hours.