Mull defeat Oban in penalty shootout
OBAN Hockey Club’s annual indoor tournament took place last Sunday in Atlantis Leisure centre.
With 60 players competing in the tournament, there was an air of excitement and anticipation.
The walls of the main hall were soon echoing with the sounds of an ever-increasing crowd of spectators, many of whom had made their way across from Mull, for the day’s games.
Due to record numbers in attendance, the tournament was played in a league format with the top two teams from each league going on to play- off games. The victors then competed in a single final for the highly coveted indoor trophy and the even more coveted chocolate Easter egg.
After 16 matches involving nine teams in total, two teams emerged from the play- offs, the home team, Oban, and rivals Mull.
The stage was set for a very competitive final. Nerves were showing as the players stepped on the pitch and the game got off to a ferocious start with end to end play from the moment the whistle blew. Individual skill and teamwork on both sides created multiple scoring opportunities but with two excellent defences it proved impossible to find the back of the net.
The game and tournament trophy went to Mull, narrowly winning on penalty runs 3-2.
Special mention should go to Olivia Sexton from Mull and Stuart Head from Oban, winning female and male player of the tournament respectively.
A fantastic day was had by all, both spectators and players alike, and it was wonderful to see this sport growing so rapidly in the local area.