Author: Victoria Kwofie
Defending champions Exchequers delivered a powerful statement of Week 11 of the Salpholda Hockey League, thrashing arch-rivals GRA 7-0 at the Theodosia Okoh Hockey Pitch. The highly anticipated clash of the titans drew a buzzing crowd as fans flocked to witness what turned out to be a masterclass from the Bank of Ghana men.
The stakes were high, not only for points on the league table but also for bragging rights and tactical supremacy. Coming off a surprising Week 10 draw against underdogs Arkmen, Exchequers had a point to prove.
It took just under three minutes for Amartey Joshua to set the tone with a slick field goal in the first quarter. They maintained that 1-0 lead through to halftime, showcasing defensive discipline and patience.
After the break, Exchequers turned up the heat. The third quarter saw relentless pressure through long passes, fast and counter breaks. Quagraine doubled the lead in the 34th minute with a brilliant penalty corner, then followed it up with another penalty corner in the 42nd minute to make it 3-0.
The floodgates of goals were officially open. Benjamin Kwofie added a fourth in the 47th minute from a beautifully rehearsed field goal. Just four minutes later, Quagraine bagged his first hat trick of the season with another field goal.
GRA’s defense collapsed under pressure. A penalty stroke in the 56th minute saw Akaba Elrom, a household name in Ghana hockey, convert to make it 6-0. The final nail came in the 57th minute when Amartey Joshua grabbed his brace, sealing a sensational 7-0 win.
Speaking after the match, team captain Bempah reflected on their determination to bounce back. “We came here today to right our wrongs from our draw to Arkmen,” he said. “We know that defending our title won’t come on a silver platter and that game was a glimpse of the challenge ahead, and it has increased our level of training and tactical approaches going into the next round of matches.”
On facing GRA, he admitted; “they are a good side with players in the national team. They’re tactically good with command on the ball, but all that didn’t work today.”
Captain Bempah concluded with a message of gratitude and focus; “our title chase is still on course. We will continue the good work. We are grateful to management, coaches, and our supporters for the love and patience and we will not disappoint them.”