Goldensticks prevent a clean sweep by Prisons Service

Goldensticks of Ghana Commercial Bank (GCB), prevented a sweep of trophies by Reformers of Prisons Service when they beat them (Prison) by a lone goal to win this year's GLICO gala which heralds the new hockey season at the National Hockey Pitch, in Accra on Saturday.

Reformers who started off as the favourites played a tactical game as their younger opponents from Commercial Bank, brimming with confidence after eliminating defending champions Exchequers of Bank of Ghana, in the semi finals went into attack.

The early pressure from Goldensticks, however, yielded no dividend as Reformers settled down and took the game to their opponents, winning the first penalty corner in the 10th minute but it was wasted.

The second half saw Goldensticks putting up more pressure and won their first and only penalty corner in the 21st minute, which was expertly connected by skipper Delali Agbesi, as he flicked the ball into the net for the game's only goal.

Reformers ladies, had earlier beaten the Police ladies team by 2-1 in the final by racing into a two-goal lead from a Mary Larnor penalty corner in the forth minute and a Vivian Dawutey penalty stroke in the 10th minute.

With this comfortable lead, Reformer ladies relaxed in the second half and allowed Police Ladies a greater share of play, which brought them a consolation goal in the 21st minute when Rejoice Noi scored through a penalty corner.

Goldensticks and Reformers ladies for their effort took home trophies and cash prizes of 400,000 and 300,000 cedis respectively, while Reformers men and Police ladies, runners up, received 300,000 and 200,000 cedis respectively.

On their way to the finals, Goldensticks disposed of Fire Service and Marinesticks of the Ghana Navy respectively, by lone goals, and against all Odds, defeated Exchequers 4-3 on penalties, after the match ended a goal apiece.

Reformers had a walk over in the first round after Taxrakers failed to turn up, beat ACME 4-3 on penalties and brushed aside Trustees with a lone goal in the semi finals.

In the ladies division which started from the semi finals stage, Reformers ladies beat their Fire Service counterparts by 3-0, while Police ladies also reach the final via a 3-0 penalty win over CEPS, after the game had ended barren.