Hockey News of Sunday, 18 January 2004

Source: Greater Accra Hockey Association

Exchequers Complete Clean Sweep of Trophies

Exchequers of Bank of Ghana completed the clean sweep of honours for the 2003 season with a hard-fought 1-0 win over sensational CEPS in the Mobitel knockout finals.

All the Central Bankers needed to clinch the day, was a 3rd minute penalty stroke expertly converted by experienced Eddie Odametey. The award of the penalty stroke generated some turbulence prior to it being taken as the CEPS players hotly disputed the umpire’s decision. The umpire stood his ground, indicating that Alfred Armah was deliberately fouled when he was in a scoring position.

CEPS held their heads up high and matched the Central Bankers, indeed, they dominated proceedings but poor finishing in front of goal robbed them off the eventual glory. The game failed to live up to its billing as a cliffhanger as players failed to shine as expected. The game was however a showcase of the dearth of talent that Ghana hockey has and the reason the country is ranked 3rd in Africa and 25th in the World.

Exchequers showed some resolute defending with SWAG player of the year Robert Aryee excelling in his defensive duties to help the Central Bankers keep a clean sheet at the end of 70 minutes.

Extinguishers Clinch the Double:

Extinguishers of Fire Service completed the Greater Accra Hockey Association’s season with a clinical 2-0 win over their bogey club Reformers of Ghana Prisons in the Mobitel knockout finals. By this feat, Extinguishers avenge the 0-2 painful loss they suffered at the hands of Reformers in the SESSA Games and thus claim the double having won the league without conceding a single goal.

Extinguishers pushed-off proceedings of the afternoon in the same fashion they completed the league, making swift runs at the Reformers defense. Reformers held their opponents in check for some 17 minutes only to succumb to the enormous pressure from field play as Emelia Aggrey finished-off a brilliant move from the midfield in the 18th minute. This was after Reformers had missed the golden opportunity to draw first blood from open play. With only the goalkeeper at her mercy, the attacker failed woefully to convert.

Reformers reinforced their midfield and defense and contained the swift Fire attacks to end the half. The second half was contested in midfield with Extinguishers ahead in many aspect of the game. Both sides took the time to create and miss some decent chances but it was Emelia Aggrey who put the issue beyond doubt with a clinical finish from a penalty corner. Extinguishers thus celebrate and relish the opportunity to represent the country in the nest African Cup for Club Champions Competition scheduled for April.

As usual, SWAG player of the year Olivia Lartey had a great game and was a tower of strength in defense.