Don Bosco Oratory Beat Kuwait Independents in First 2018 DBO Hockey Tournament
Kuwait, Ahmadi – 11th May 2018, in what would one say “breathless showpiece” DBO and KIH. It was another good performance put up by both the teams, playing with flare, tenacity and solidity. The last quarter belonged to KIH who build on the pressure looking for the equalizer, just could not get pass through the DBO defense wall.
DBO in the first two quarter put on a brilliant performance, that made many believe that would be a one side affair. But that was not to be, KIH defense and brilliant goalkeeping by Kani Pr were totally on a different note playing high. It was KIH half and forwards passes were going haywire and players failing to trap the ball at the important time when needed.
DBO dominated possession in the first 36 minutes, and managed to find the net with an attack from the right flank Leo Rodrigues with a cross to Sherwin Dsouza on top of the D who back flick towards to goal which touched the foot of a defender, referee awarding a penalty corner. Shoaib Marouf of DBO who made no mistake finding the net.
“I have a really great group of players who understand me and are willing to work incredibly hard” said Head Coach Savio Richards, it is a coach’s dream and I am excited that their hard work paid off. We did miss some players who are on vacation.
DBO was unfortunate to lose Sherwin Dsouza in the 3rd quarter that was ruled out for the reminder of the match due to an ankle injury.
“Going into this game, this was an all important match and I had saved all my energy to give it all in the last 2 quarters” said Sherwin D’souza.
KOC Blue trashed K H Kings by 7 goals. The match was a one sided affair as K H Kings missing out on some of their players in the defense. KOC Blue had to thank their young uprising star Yusuf Waseem who played an amazing game.
Ahmed Waseem of KOC Blues’ said “I am happy and proud to see our senior’s performance and leading our young ones. The way we moved the ball around and playing attacking Hockey is an amazing feeling”
At the award ceremony Christopher Fernandes – Vice President on behalf of the President Fr. Francisco E. Pereira – sdb, and the Don Bosco Oratory members, Thanked Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) for the lovely premises and facilities offered to the Hockey Community here in Kuwait, a note of thanks to all the participating teams for their support and for contributing of playing good hockey. He also thanked the President of Kuwait Expat Hockey Association for the keeping the game of hockey going in Kuwait. He went on to say “It is important and the whole purpose of these tournaments is to keep the spirit of hockey alive among our communities. Winning or losing is only a part of the game, but building friendships through sports is important. I am also proud and happy to see a lot of new faces on the field today and moreover to see our next generation of young players who I’m will keep this game alive in Kuwait.
Today the game of hockey is played in various corners of the globe and in Kuwait we have nationalities such as Indians, Pakistanis, Egyptians, and South Africans playing all as one big hockey community”
Report by Sir Clearance Pires
