Exchequers still ride high at Pepsi hockey

A GOAL in each half by Ben Tarley and Joseph Appiah was all that the Greater Accra Pepsi hockey league defending champions, Exchequers, needed to win 2-0 in their titanic match against Multi-Stix in their fourth pitch at the weekend.

The match which was full of action with both sides displaying their rich experience in the game, favoured youthfull Bank of Ghana boys whose advantage over their opponents was stamina which they utilised to the fullest.

As the game progressed with action swinging from one end of the pitch to the other with beautiful stick works and wasting of short corners, it was difficult to determine who would carry the day.

However, in the 25th minute, Ben Tarley broke the deadlock when he beautifully converted a penalty corner to put his side up. The battle of wits continued but could not change the score line to end the first half.

The second half resumed with the same pattern but it was Exchequers who benefited seven minutes later when Joseph Appiah finished off a defence-splitting move by skipper Richard Attipoe, Alfred Armah and William Cudjoe to make it 2-0.

Frank Asante, Bonnie Baffour, Seth Bempong and Edmund Aryeetey did all they could but failed to find the net.

With a minute of play left, Frank Asante who was in a clear position to score was fouled by Roberty Aryee in the dean for a penalty.

Edmund Aryeetey who effected it, had his hit beautifully saved by Jonas Tetteh in post for Exchequers just as his opponent number Frank Awuku had earlier made brilliant saves to keep the scoreline at 2-0.

Citizens also beat Veterans 4-0 with skipper Robert Quaye getting two of the goals in the 14th and 42nd mintues while Kwame Owusu (49th) and Yaw Ottenkorang (62nd) got the othre goals for their side.

CEPS and Reformers of Prisons also settled for a pulsating 2-2 draw in another exciting match.

While Solomon Engman scored first for Reformers in the 24th minute, Mustapha Dadzie who has been scoring in every match since the league resumed, levelled up for CEPS in the 33rd minute to end the first thirty-five minutes.

The second half resumed with Siakwa restoring the Reforms lead with Free goal in the 50th minute to make it 2-1. In the 60th minute Ofosu Amoah equalised for CEPS in the 60th mimute to end the game 2-2.

Sensational Marine Sticks of Ghana Navy, who last week had their match against Exchequers postponed for technical reasons, beat Kingsticks 4-2 while Juvenile A and Juvenile B settled to a 2-2 draw with Prince Morrison and Rudolf Sowah scoring for their sides.

In the ladies match on Wednesday, Fire held Police to a goalless draw game.