Another four action-packed games of the Andriez Shield – Men’s Division A League Tournament, concluded yesterday (29th June) at the Astro Turf, Colombo 07. This is Colombo’s biggest Hockey showdown and is being organized by the Colombo Hockey Association (HCA).
The history of the tournament goes way back to 1933, when the first tournament was held and the League Championship was named in honor of Mr. M. Andriez, who represented the Ceylon Light Infantry Regiment.
Old Senanayakians SC vs Old Zahira Hockey Club A
In the first encounter of the day, the Old Senanayakians SC faced the fierce challenge of Old Zahira Hockey Club A. During the fifth minute, the Senanayakians were guilty of deliberately attacking the stick of the opponent inside the red zone. Hence the Zahirian, Arshad, converted the penalty into the first goal. Without wasting any time, Senanayakian Cramer scored a goal following a penalty corner. Then Abeyrathna managed to push another goal for Dons from a ball that came in rebound through the goalkeeper. Later in the quarter, the Old Senanayakians scored again to extend the lead. (1st Quarter, OS 03 – 01 OZ)
With the start of the second half, Zahira counter-attacked with a goal, but the Senanayakians managed to give a strong reply through another score due to the untidy defense of Zahira. (Half time: OS 04 – 02 OZ)
In the third quarter, Zahirans was up to the task, and Arshad scored his second on the rebound off the goalkeeper. Thereafter, Old Senanayakian Dilshan got into the scoring area and made a strong shot to score their fifth goal. (3rd Quarter, OS 05 – 03 OZ)
In the final quarter, the standout player for the Dons, Cramer, completed his hat-trick with a strong hit, while the goalkeeper was away from the net. Then the miserable run continued for the Old Zahirians as they missed an easy scoring opportunity from a penalty. Finally, Abeyrathna put a cherry on the Don’s cake by scoring the final goal of the match.
Full Time
Old Senanayakians SC – 07
Cramer 5’, 12’, 53’
Abeyrathne 10’, 59’
Amodh 19’
Dilshan 39’
Old Zahira Hockey Club – 03
Arshad 4’ 36’, Azeez 17”
BRC A vs Old President’s Hockey Club A
There was one-way traffic during the game between the formidable Burgher Recreation Club (BRC) and the Old President’s Hockey Club. BRC scored their first through a penalty corner. (1st quarter, BRC 01 – 00 OP)
In the second half, BRC was threatening, but the old president’s lads had done a better job of keeping the BRC attackers at bay. (Half Time: BRC 01 – 00 OP)
In the third quarter, the floodgates were opened for BRC, and goals were raining as they managed to find the back of the net five times. Dhananjaya scored his second through a penalty, followed by a reverse hit goal by Dilshan. Dhananjaya then made a hat-trick by pushing the ball to the right of the goalkeeper and towards the goal. Later, BRC striker Senan had a powerful hit at goal, and it was inches away from the goalkeeper, who failed to block it. After two minutes he had another open shot at goal and succeeded. (3rd quarter, BRC 06 – 00 OP)
In the final quarter, BRC kept their momentum to accumulate another four goals. The seventh goal came from a penalty corner. Then Dhananjaya completed his fifth individual goal with a blind snap-shot. Thereafter a golden opportunity came in the way of the Old Presidents to score a consolation goal, but they failed to give the finishing touch. During the last couple of minutes, BRS scored twice to complete a thumping win.
Full Time
BRC A – 10
Dhananjaya 10’ 32’ 39’ 50’ 57’
Dilshan 34’ 60’
Senan 42’ 44’
Lahiru 59’
Old President’s – 00
Old Nalandians Hockey Club A vs CH & FC A
The next clash was a nail-biter, and the CH & FC goalkeeper was initially penalised as he prevented a sure scoring opportunity by charging into the body of a striker. The penalty was scored by Bodhika to give the lead to the Old Nalandians. In the last minute of the first quarter, Damitha made an equalizer from a strong drag flick shot. (1st quarter, ON 01 – 01 CH)
The second quarter was filled with some thrilling action, but both the teams failed to score. (Half Time: ON 01 – 01 CH) Then, the Old Nalandians kept threatening on the CH defense and finally earned a penalty, and Bodhika made no mistake with that. But the Nalandians lead was short-lived, and CH scored again from a drag flick. At the end of the third quarter, the game was in an even-steven situation, with both teams having scored twice.
In the crucial final quarter, both sides fought tooth and nail to clinch a win, but the Red Shirts from Maitland Crescent had the last laugh as they managed to score through another penalty corner.
Full Time:
CH & FC A – 03
Damitha – 15’ 52’
Menula 39’
Old Nalandians Hockey Club A – 02
Bodhika 7’ 37’
CR & FC ‘A’ vs Royal College Hockey Club ‘A’
In the final encounter of the day, Royal missed an early scoring opportunity. Then CR player Sachintha pushed the ball between his legs after receiving an excellent pass. (1st quarter, RC 00 – 01 CR)
At the brink of Half Time, the Indian-origin player Harshdeep nailed a goal after receiving a penalty corner for Royal College Hockey Club. (Half Time, RC 01 – 01 CR)
RCH then earned a penalty corner. There Harshdeep executed a drag flick, and the ball went with the speed of a bullet to score their second. Three minutes later, Harshdeep completed his hat-trick in the very same manner, but this time the ball went into the nets along the ground. (3rd Quarter RC 03 – 01 CR)
There was an action-packed final quarter where both the teams fought hard for a win. Hence, CR & FC captain Thushara was sent-off for arguing with the referee. In the dying minutes of the game, CR got a penalty corner, and Nalaka managed to salvage some respect for their team by nailing it.
Full Time:
Royal College Hockey Club ‘A’ – 04
Harshdeep 30’ 38’ 41’ 50’
CR & FC ‘A’ – 02
Sachintha 6’
Nalaka 58’
 at the Astro Turf, Colombo 07. This is Colombo's biggest Hockey showdown and is being organized by the Colombo Hockey Association (HCA).){kind=link}