EASTERN STARS landed a bruising blow to the under-belly of BNB Deacons’ Men’s Premier Hockey League title challenge with a thrilling come-from-behind 4-3 victory at the Hockey Centre of the Garfield Sobers Sports Complex on Sunday evening.
Deacons rode goals from Chad Ifill, Neil Franklin and Keiron Taylor to surge to a 3-1 lead inside 20 minutes.
But Eastern Stars, perennial also-rans in the league but always dangerous opponents, fought back to topple the defending champions and leave the championship race wide open.
Penalty stroke
Teenager Akeem Rudder’s penalty stroke in the 27th minute started the fightback while Renaldo Holder equalised on the stroke of half-time.
Soon after the resumption, Andre Phillips put the St Joseph-based Stars up for good with what proved to be the game-winner in the 38th minute.
Wanderers and Jammin’ Combermere School Old Scholars (CSOS) made the most of Deacons’ slip as they revived their flickering title hopes with contrasting wins.
Wanderers were inspired by a hat-trick from club chairman Duane Burke and brushed aside pointless Empire 8-0 to jump to third in the table.
Scored twice
Former Barbados captain Peter Harris and current national player Donovan Smith both scored twice while a fine Alan Bryan strike sealed the one-sided scoreline.
CSOS needed a 44th minute strike from Ryan Drayton to see off CGI Maple on Saturday and leapfrog their opponents in the standings.
Vita Malt All Stars remain in top spot on goal difference while Berger YMCA are sixth in the eight-team field but are dangerously poised with a number of games in hand.
In front
In the only Women’s Premier League match, Maple put their noses in front in the battle for third spot as goals from Delia Rock and Benita Maynard gave the St James club a 2-1 victory over All Stars. Cherise Moore netted for the Stars.
Maple eased ahead of Deacons in the race for third ahead of the teams’ crucial encounter on Sunday.
CSOS have already secured the women’s title while Empire are assured of second spot.
Weekend’s results:
Men’s Premier League:
Wanderers 8 (Duane Burke 3, Donovan Smith 2, Peter Harris 2, Alan Bryan), Empire 0
Eastern Stars 4 (Roger Phillips, Akeem Rudder, Renaldo Holder, Andre Phillips), Deacons 3 (Chad Ifill, Neil Franklin, Keiron Taylor)
CSOS 1 (Ryan Drayton), Maple 0
Women’s Premier League:
Maple 2 (Delia Rock, Benita Maynard), All Stars 1 (Cherise Moore) (CC)
