GCC win first ever ‘Banks Festival’ title

The Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) created history on Sunday when they became the first team from Guyana to win a title at the Barbados Hockey Federation’s (BHF) Banks Festival.

When the international tournament concluded over the weekend, GCC, Big Apple Hockey Club, UWI Blackbirds and Rockets were crowned champions in their respective categories.

While matches were held at the Usain Bolt Complex in St. James, the true heart of the action unfolded at the Wildey Astroturf hockey facility.

The men’s final stole the spotlight on the final day, as GCC etched their name in history following a nail-biting encounter against NY Islanders, where they prevailed 3-2 in a dramatic penalty shootout.

Hikers, another Guyanese club which advanced to the finals in the mixed division, narrowly missed claiming the trophy as they lost 2-0 to Rockets.

Meanwhile, the women’s final materialised into an all-American showdown, with the Big Apple Hockey Club asserting their dominance with a convincing 4-0 win over the NY Islanders.

In the master’s division finale, UWI Blackbirds secured a narrow 1-0 victory over All-Stars. 

Marking its 38th anniversary, the tournament, considered the Caribbean’s premier hockey event, made a successful return following the hiatus enforced by the COVID-19 pandemic.  (RT)