GCC Elite dominates women’s hockey final; Pepsi Hikers secures men’s title

The Guyana Hockey Board’s (GHB) Diamond Jubilee Independence Competition concluded on Monday evening at the National Stadium, Providence, with GCC Elite producing a commanding display in the women’s final and Pepsi Hikers overcoming Old Fort Top Form to lift the men’s crown.

GCC Elite overwhelmed Hikers 9-1 to cap an impressive tournament campaign, while Pepsi Hikers completed a 4-2 victory over Old Fort Top Form in a hard-fought men’s championship encounter.

The women’s final was effectively settled early as GCC Elite imposed themselves from the opening whistle. They established a 2-0 first-period advantage and stretched that lead to 4-1 by halftime before pulling away decisively in the second half.

Women’s Most Valuable Player Carolyn Deane in action.

Rebecca Ferreira opened the scoring in the fourth minute and Makeda Harding doubled the advantage ten minutes later. Hikers found a response through Ariel Adams in the 19th minute, but that proved to be their only breakthrough of the contest.

GCC Elite quickly regained full control as Alana Chung scored in the 26th minute before Harding netted her second goal four minutes later. Princessa Wilkie added another in the 32nd minute as the eventual champions continued to dominate possession and territory.

Abosaide Cadogan struck twice in the second half, finding the back of the net in the 38th and 48th minutes. Ferreira also completed a brace in the 58th minute before Sara Matthias added the final goal a minute later to complete the emphatic victory.

Pepsi Hikers pose with the men’s championship trophy.

The men’s final offered a more balanced contest, but Pepsi Hikers proved more clinical in front of goal to secure the title.

Michael Payne gave Hikers the lead in the fifth minute before Robert France doubled the advantage in the 28th minute, helping his side carry a 2-0 lead into the halftime break.

Pepsi Hikers midfielder Jamarj Assanah was named the men’s Most Valuable Player.

Old Fort Top Form reduced the deficit shortly after the restart when Simeon Moore converted from a penalty corner in the 36th minute. However, Pepsi Hikers restored their two-goal cushion almost immediately through Shane Samuels.

France then grabbed his second goal of the night in the 47th minute to extend the lead to 4-1 and place one hand firmly on the championship trophy.

Nikosi Saul scored for Old Fort Top Form three minutes later, but Pepsi Hikers successfully managed the remainder of the contest to secure a deserved 4-2 triumph.

The two finals brought the curtain down on four days of competition at Providence, with GCC Elite and Pepsi Hikers emerging as the standout teams in the women’s and men’s divisions respectively.