The Hockey Association's second competition of the season CAME to an end on Sunday with the final two matches. In the game for third place White Hart surprised Floriana Young Stars by winning 2-1 while in highly entertaining final Qormi Diakin got the better of Gree Hotsticks by 3 goals to 2.
Qormi Daikin's victory on Sunday meant that they have now totalled nine consecutive trophies in a winning streak that goes back to the Challenge Cup 2017-2018. Truly a remarkable feat. Sunday's game was played in the best of spirits and provided some entertaining hockey. Besides some excellant goalkeeping from both goalkeepers the game was characterised by all goals coming from set pieces; four penalty corners and one penalty stroke. Despite getting two goals from penalty corners Gree Hotsticks will be dissapointed with their penalty corner routines which on the day were not functioning as planned. Qormi Daikin on their were more clinical as they got a better return from fewer penalty corners.
After a strong start from Gree Qormi Daikin struck first late in the first quarter. Gree Hotsticks carelessly conceded two consecutive short corners and from the second one Steve Portelli flicked in an unstoppable shot. The second quarter left the good number of spectators present breathless as the the two teams comjured up three goals in the space of 15 minutes. Alessandro Amore but things on level terms with a strong hit from the edge of of the dee following a penalty corner. Juan Scarcia put Qormi Daikin once more in the lead when he finalised a melee infront of goal that resulted from a Qormi penalty corner and before the quarter was over Christ Agius, again from a penalty corner action, equalised for Gree Hotsticks. The first half ended 2-2.
The 3rd quarter was a quieter affair altough both teams did not hold back in their attempts to take an advantage and the game swang from one end another altough no goals were scored. The 4th quarter was played in pretty much the same vein and seemed destined for a decisive shoot out when with a couple of minutes to full time Gree Hotsticks fluffed the upteent penalty corner routine and Qormi Daikin caught them on the break with Qormi captain Steve Tanti being fouled in the dee for the inevitable penalty stroke. Steve Portelli stepped out to beat Emile Borg and give the trophy to Qormi Daikin. James Mizzi and Nathan Galea umpired the game.
In the match for third place White Hart pulled off a good result beating Floriana Young Stars by 2-1. Alex Bolton put them in the lead during the first quarter which lead they maintain through the 2nd and 3rd quarter. The 4th quarter saw first Anton Saliba equalise for Floriana and then Bolton notched up his second to give White Hart a moral boosting victory. The game was umpired by Reno Cremona and Paul Brincat.