Eagles scored a half-dozen as their pursuit of a third successive European gold medal got off to the best possible start in Gibraltar on day one of the men’s EuroHockey Club Challenge I.
They defeated Malta’s Floriana Young Stars 6-1 to put them top of Pool A on goal difference with Hungary’s Soroksári-Olcote edging out Furuset from Norway 1-0.
Earlier, Qormi Daikin defeated Luxmebourg 2-0 and Lithuania’s Šiauliai Ginstrektė-Akademija beat Roslagens.
** Pictures courtesy of C. Correa Photography
** To see the tables, results and fixtures from the event, click here
Game 1: Qormi Daikin HC v HC Luxembourg 2-0
Qormi Daikin opened the EuroHockey weekend with a 2-0 win over HC Luxembourg in Pool B with two late goals.
The match remained goalless through the first three quarters with both sides displaying solid defense and few opportunities to score. It wasn’t until the 53rd minute that Qormi broke through with a successful penalty corner converted by Luke Bajada.
And two minutes later he struck again from play. HC Luxembourg, despite their efforts, were unable to find the back of the net, ultimately leaving the pitch without any points.
Game 2: Šiauliai Ginstrektė-Akademija v Roslagens IF 4-1
In a well-contested match in sunny Gibraltar, Šiauliai Ginstrektė-Akademija defeated Roslagens IF 4-1. The game saw Ginstrektė take an early lead with Povilas Sinkevičius scoring twice in the first half, which set the tone for their performance.
Roslagens’ effort to claw back into the game materialised briefly when Leo Törner netted a goal, making the score 2-1. However, Ginstrektė swiftly responded with two more goals, ensuring a comfortable win. Dominykas Vaikėnas and Gustas Kalasevičius were instrumental in these crucial moments, contributing one each.
Game 3: Soroksári – Olcote HC v Furuset Landhockeyklubb 1-0
In a strategic clash, Soroksári HC squared off against Furuset Landhockeyklubb from Norway with the former scoring a narrow 1-0 victory.
The game unfolded under intense competition with both teams demonstrating solid defense. The only goal of the match came in the second quarter, scored by Ficzere Zsombor of Soroksári, through a penalty stroke. Despite attempts from Furuset to equalize, Soroksári maintained their lead with commendable goalkeeping by Ferenczi Zsolt. Soroksári’s took the 5 points on offer with Furuset also earning the 1 losing bonus point.
Game 4: Eagles HC v Floriana Young Stars HC 6-1
Hosts Eagles delivered a commanding performance against Floriana Young Stars HC, securing a 6-1 victory. They opened the scoring in the ninth minute via Kyle Davis. They continued to press their advantage, scoring twice in the second period through Julian Laguea from a penalty corner and then from Stefan Rodriguez. Leigh Dobinson Kyle Davis (with his second goal of the match) added to the tally before Floriana got one back through. Mark Camilleri but Daniel Cornelio solidified the hosts big win.
