Trustees, Reformers win Bajfreight Gala

Trustees last Saturday clinched their third successive men's Bajfreight and Logistics Gala trophy with a 2-1 win over Exchequers, while Reformers stunned defending women's champions Police 1-0 to claim that title at the Theodosia Okoh Stadium.

The gala, which serves as the curtain-raiser for the hockey season, was postponed a fortnight ago after intense rain but the men’s finalists served up an exciting clash which produced three goals in 23 minutes.

Anum Abdul Rahman gave Trustees the lead in the 15th minute when he fired past stranded Exchequers goalie, Simon Dontoh, after he was exposed by his porous defence.

Exchequers seemed to have recovered from that setback when Trustees struck against the run-of-play in the 21st minute through Francis Tetteh’s field goal.

Exchequers did not relent in their attacking forays after conceding the second goal and got their just reward in the 23rd minute when Daniel Dankyi broke the shackles of the Trustees defence from a penalty corner to make it 2-1.

In the second half, Exchequers went in search for the equaliser but Trustees, displaying superior stick work, dominated the game and were prevented from scoring a third by Exchequers goalie, Dontoh.

In the women's final, it was a fairytale ending for Reformers who surmounted all odds, including a two-year debt of subscription fees which almost denied them their participation in the competition, to beat the gala holders, Police.

Sensational Hagar Laryea, who scored the only goal of the match in the 30th minute, attributed Reformers’ victory to their experience in cup competitions.

"It was a good match but we beat them with experience. Player-for-player they were ahead but we had something extra today and will translate this form into the league."

Real Ambassadors secured the youth title with a slender 2-1 victory over Young Financiers, who defeated Tema Manhean in the only semi-final played on the day.