Exchequers Retain Title in Style

Defending Greater Accra Hockey Association Pepsi Hockey League Champions Exchequers of Bank of Ghana confirmed their superiority and dominance of the hockey scene in Ghana with an dramatic finish to their quest for a fourth consecutive league title pursuit on the last day of competition. The Central Bankers won a hard-fought battle against Marine Stick 3-2 to complete the league without a single loss. They won 28 of the 29 matches, drew once against their bitterest rivals SSNIT, scored 88 times and conceded 9 to top the log with 58 points.

Incidentally, today’s match against Marine was one of wits and will and the Mariners’ resolve to break the unbeaten record of the Central Bankers. Indeed, it was the Mariners who drew first blood as early as the 7th minute when Patrick Taylor finished off a brilliant move from midfield involving himself, Edward Oblie and Eric Sackey. The cheer that greeted the goal was deafening and shook the very foundation of the stadium. Marine never looked back and dominated proceedings for the greater part of the half, forcing Exchequers to chase their shadows.

The Central Bankers maintained their composure and tried very much to stay in the game, but tried as they did, Marine stayed ahead on the turf. The final 5 minutes of the half saw a complete turn around for the Bankers as they found their rhythm. They captured the midfield and took runs at the Marine defense. In the 34th minute, Alfred ‘MC’ Armah made the advantage count when he took the entire Marine defense on the run, dummied the goalie and flicked over him for the equalizer.

Exchequers started the 2nd half where they left off, tormenting the Marine defense. They did not have to wait long to go ahead as Sammy Kwao connected a rebound from a penalty corner against the backboard with a flourish 4 minutes into the half. 7 minutes later, Musah Tanihu calmed the nerves of the Exchequers bench with a sleek backhand to increase the lead to 3-1. At this stage, Assistant Team Manager Nat Botchway took out his white handkerchief and started waiving to start the victory party.

A moment loss in concentration saw the Mariners punish the Bankers with a goal in the 52nd minute. The goal re-awakened the Bankers who stayed resolute to the end to spark-off a wild celebration of their 4th consecutive league title and the 7th in 10 years.

The other men's matches, NDK Financiers ended a good first year with an emphatic 3-1 win over Multistix, Golden Sticks beat Reformers 3-2, Trustees mauled Kingsticks 8-0 while CEPS destroyed Citizens 8-0.

Extinguishers Dominate Ladies Competition:

Extinguishers of National Fire Service brushed aside Police Service to complete their total dominance of the Women’s game with a 2-0 win. Fire came into game against the background of not having conceded a goal throughout the entire league competition and having won every single game.

Their dominance of the local scene has been total this year winning all 8 matches they have played, scoring 47 times and conceding no goal. By this feat, they retain the league title.

In the other ladies' match, CEPS flattered themselves with a 9-0 thrashing of Comets,