Rotweiss Wettingen won the Swiss men’s indoor championship before Christmas in a competition brought forward from its usual spot to account for the Hockey 5s World Cup.

They took the title with a final win over Grasshoppers Zürich in an incredible 8-7 decider. Grasshoppers went into the lead after just 16 seconds from Roman Richner’s penalty stroke.

But Rotweiss bounced back via Simona Pagliara and Michel Morard for a 2-1 lead and his next goal nudged them 3-2 ahead early in the second quarter.

Artur von Ruffer made it 3-3 but Robin Aebi’s goal just before half-time proved a pivotal moment for a 4-3 advantage at the break.

It helped them build a four-goal advantage in the second half with the next three goals for a 7-3 scoreline. Grasshoppers fought back with the next three goals but a stroke from Yves Morard with four minutes to go was the crucial goal.

It made it 8-6 and while Fabio Landtwing made it lively for the final minute, Rotweiss held on.

In the game for third place, Luzerner SC won a shoot out after a 2-2 draw against HC Olten for themselves.

Michel Morard was named the player of the final four with the best goalkeeper going to Fabian Starsich (Grasshoppers). Yves Morard was the top scorer with 30 goals.

Picture: Alfred Waelti