Bank of Ghana’s Exchequers and the Ghana Police Ladies team emerged victorious at the 2018 Sapholda hockey gala, held at the Theodosia Okoh Hockey Stadium. Real Ambassadors were crowned as youth champions whilst unbeatable Sapholda continues to dominate the masters category.

The gala was delayed in the early hours as the RSA (Regional Sports Authority) embarked on a take over of the facility which resulted in the Regional office being locked and other items of the Ghana Hockey Association taken. This, however, did not stop Greater Accra Hockey from making the event a reality. Fans and lovers of hockey also stayed till the competition ended at 9:30 pm.

In the men’s category, Exchequers and GRA both put up a strong performance throughout the group stages to set up a cagey final. The men from Bank of Ghana beat Legon Knights in their first game before defeating Reformers on penalties in their last game en-route to the final. GRA also defeated Ark men by 2-0 and Ghana Police team on penalties.

The finals saw both teams parade their very best with some players from the just dissolved Trustees Hockey team in both teams. The game gave spectators a lot to cheer about with hockey displayed at its best. The game ended in a draw and penalties had to decide the winner. Goalkeeper Tyche Dusberg saved GRA’s Ernest Opoku’s penalty to give the bankers their first major silverware in as many years.

It was a sweet revenge for the Police women team as they beat fierce rivals GRA in the women’s final. Both teams were expected to make it to the final after easy group draws for them. The game as usual produced end to end action as both teams were eager to clinch the ultimate. The final whistle went and the game was to be settled through penalties since both teams failed to score. Goalkeeper Abigail Boye was the heroine of the day as she saved all three GRA penalties to give the Police team their first trophy in 2018.

Speaking to isports360 after the game, Head coach of the Police team, Francis Ackah expressed joy in his team’s success and that they beat GRA to the trophy. He also told teams to watch out for the Police team come this league season. “this is just the beginning of the package we have in stock…we are coming very strong this year for the Sapholda Hockey League”, he said. “the team did very well especially Abigail Boye who was excellent during the penalties”, he added.

Mr Adolf Adjei who doubles as the Chairman of the Greater Accra Hockey Association and CEO of Sapholda ventures, expressed delight in the tournament thanking the players and management of all teams for giving their best towards the success of the gala. He assured the public saying “The season will kickstart without anything interfering to disrupt the league. We will make sure we put proper measures in place to avoid any mishaps from the issue surrounding the pitch.