Soldiers under threat at SESSA Games

Accra, Oct. 31, GNA - The Ghana Armed Forces hockey team, Marine Sticks, recorded one of the highest goals at the ongoing SESSA Games; dismissing Fire Service (Extinguishers) 6-1 but stand the risk of losing the three points.

The Soldiers featured a total of 18 players in their Monday's game against the Extinguishers instead of the required 16, which contravenes the rules governing the sport.

The International Hockey Federation (FIH) rules, which are being applied at the Games, allow for only 16 players to be used in a single match but the soldiers unknowingly, exceeded the number. Subsequently, officials of Fire Service lodged a protest to the authorities demanding three points and three goals as stated in the law books while the Armed Forces be striped of their points. Arrowhead Edward Oblie netted twice in the ninth and 34th minutes respectively while Edward Toya, Salya Nsalbini, Patrick Taylor and Michael Amissah completed the demolishing exercise for the Soldiers. Thomas Tetteh scored a consolation for Fire in the 16th minute. Reformers of Prison Service registered their first win in two games thumping Police Service 6-1 to join Armed Forces and CEPS at the summit of the log.

In the ladies matches, Prisons and CEPS sold out a great game to the sparse crowd at the National Hockey Pitch but it was Esther Parry's 69th excellent finish from a short corner that separated the two sides. Police whitewashed the Armed Forces ladies 5-0. The Games continue on Tuesday with very attractive pairings. Prisons clash with Fire in the first men's game at 0830 GMT while CEPS come up against Armed Forces at 1530 GMT. In the ladies division, Prisons face Police at o700GMT while Fire lock horns with CEPS at 1400 GMT.