Despite a painful second defeat of the season to struggling NDK Financiers, Multi Stix were crowned champions of the 2024 Salpholda Hockey League on Saturday, August 24, at the Hockey Stadium.
Multi Stix’s celebration was dampened as NDK Financiers triumphed over them with a 3-1 victory in the final league match. NDK Financiers opened the scoring with a penalty stroke in the first quarter and doubled their lead with a penalty corner two minutes before the end of the second quarter. In the third quarter, the Financiers continued to press, adding a third goal. Multi Stix managed a consolation goal in the last quarter through a penalty corner, but all efforts to stage a comeback were thwarted by the NDK goalkeeper.
“NDK Financiers had a good game. Our mentality coming into this game was poor because we thought we had already won the league, so we were relaxed, and they punished us badly, cutting our excitement short,” said Multi Stix captain Kwabena Asante. “It’s very unfortunate; this is our second defeat in the last four years. They had a better day, but we will be back stronger and make sure to keep a clean sheet next season,” Mr. Asante concluded.
At the end of the season in the Masters Division, Multi Stix finished first with 16 points, recording six wins and two defeats. The Golden Sticks finished second on the league log with 12 points after their 2-1 win over Citizens International in their last game. NDK Financiers were third with 11 points, while league sponsors Salpholda occupied fourth and fifth place, respectively.
