Qormi Daikin and Eagles soar in Gibraltar – Men’s Challenge III final day round-up

Qormi Daikin and Eagles earned promotion for Malta and Gibraltar, respectively, up to men’s Challenge II level for next season with their strong finishes to the tournament.

Qormi were the first to do so when they deflated HC Klippari’s 100% record to date in the tournament. They got off to a magic start when Keith Bajada and Zachary de Giovanni built a 2-0 half time lead and they game was done and dusted in Q3 when they added three more in a three minute period.

De Giovanni, Steve Tanti and Luke Bajada stretched the lead to 5-0 and while Klipparri rallied with a David Hurrell strike, the Maltese side were able to enjoy the closing quarter without the stress of their final group match.

Hosts Eagles made it two European victories in successive years as they backed up their 2022 Challenge II win with this title. Zuvedra Tauras did take the lead in Q2 via Rafal Stankevič but Eagles turned things around with Julian Lopez scoring his 12th goal of the tournament from a corner.

Craig Bossano-Anes put them in front in the third quarter and Lopez completed this remarkable event tally with 15 minutes to go from a stroke.

It made for a 3-1 final score and promotion for their nation for 2023.

In the classification matches, FHC Akademik Plus Sofia won the Bulgarian derby against The Wolves 7-1, Georgi Baklev’s double bringing his tally to seven goals for the tournament.

Norway’s Furuset ended fifth with a 4-1 victory over Valhalla, captain Mohammad Khidash Kiyani leading the way with two goals.

** All results, pools, and game stats below from the EuroHockey Club Challenge III, Men in Gibraltar

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