Sapholda Hockey League: Big wins, huge losses on Week 7

The quest to represent Ghana at the next ACCC has become tenser than ever.

The Theodosia Okoh hockey pitch witnessed an enviable turnout in the wee hours of Saturday 18th August 2018 as two former champions locked horns to reclaim their pedigree in Ghana hockey and also a slot to represent the country in Africa.

Exchequers faced Police Men in a fierce and cagey battle. The bankers were for a win to reclaim their top spot and also maintain their unbeaten run while Police, set to catch the top two and also do what no club has achieved this season; beating Exchequers.

The two teams met in the first round and both failed to grab the maximum points in a 1-1 drawn game.

Exchequers started the game in their usual fashion-quick and fast-break but the robust and vigorous Police team were up to the task. Police, on the other hand, built hopes on the presence of flamboyant Johnny Botsio but yet again, the Ghanaian international was put in check by Akpene Samuel and Mohammed Osmanu in defence of Exchequers.

The bankers were the better amongst the two and were almost up in the 5th-minute courtesy Elikem Akaba. The former SWAG hockey player of the year seemed to have broken the deadlock but his goal was disallowed by Umpire Fiifi who spotted a foul prior to the goal.

This, however, did not stop Exchequers as they went in search of the opener. A penalty corner awarded in the second quarter was almost slotted home by Ankomah Emmanuel. The skipper had eluded everyone only to see his low effort saved by Police goalkeeper Acquah Benjamin.

The defence for both teams was very solid and tactical making it very difficult for field goals to be registered. The focus was now shifted to penalty corners by both teams. Exchequers has another penalty corner and just when they thought it was the breakthrough, Acquah Benjamin was there to make the ‘save of the week’.

Police Men were eager for their share of the penalty corners which finally came in the 4th quarter. Nevertheless, the effort was wasted and the scoreline unchanged; goalless it was. The final whistle went and the title race still open.

In the other men fixtures, Reformers humbled Legon knights with a 5-0 win. The victory elevates them from bottom of the table to 4th place. Asmah Patrick and Lamptey Emmanuel each scored two with Barnor Leslie grab the 5th goal to wrap up.

GRA men had earlier on Friday beaten Ark Men 8-0. The defending league champions did so in dramatic style but surprisingly, failed to register a penalty corner goal. Dogbe Christopher opened the scoreline in the 1st minute with Akuamoah Michael and Arthur Ebenezer making it 2-0 and 3-0 respectively before halftime. Five additional goals in the second half; Nsalbini Salya with a brace, Aikins Anthony, Hanson Nicholas and Mettle Ebenezer all getting a goal each.

GRA ladies took another giant step towards defending the league trophy with a massive win over Ark ladies. Fosua Emelia got the opener inside seven minutes before a quick brace from Elizabeth Opoku made it 3-0. Coffie Ernestina scored a brace at either side of skipper Grant Monica’s 29th-minute strike. Owusu Roberta made it 7-0 in the 53rd minute as GRA cruised to a convincing victory.

Reformers ladies put 4 past Real Ambassadors ladies. A hat-trick from Adu Gyamfi Joana in the 18th, 29th and 56th min and a goal from Hagar Laryea was enough to down Amba ladies.

Police ladies on Friday beat Extinguishers 5-1.

In the youth category, defending league champions Real Ambassadors boys managed a 1-0 win over stubborn Ark boys. Skipper Ebenezer Adjei got the goal from a well-converted penalty corner in the 20th minute.

Tema Manhean maintained their second spot with a 2-1 victory over Young Financiers. Addison Abdella gave Financiers the lead in the 14th minute courtesy a penalty corner. Ampah Desmond restored parity in the 25th minute from a penalty corner before getting the winner also from a penalty corner in the 37th minute.

In the master’s category, Sapholda continued their unbeaten run with a 2-0 win over Citizens. Mason James and Antwi Francis both getting the goals whiles Multistix beat NDK Financiers 3-1.