// sportsman & sportswoman of the year awards 2015
Hockey |
Trinidad &Tobago Hockey Board
Andrey Rocke Like their football counterparts, field hockey’s goalkeepers do not garner as much of the spotlight as some of their outfield colleagues. But, of course, the game has produced its notable shot-stoppers such as Richard Allen who only conceded two goals in three Olympic Games, while competing for India’s gold medal-winning teams in 1928, 1932 and 1936. In a similar vein, Andrey Rocke, also had a major effect on his squad’s fortunes. He was outstanding during the FIH Hockey World League second round tournament in San Diego, California where Trinidad and Tobago had to endure some stiff challenges from Russia, Canada, the USA, Ireland and Italy. His reflexes, plus on and off-field leadership, also helped his team at the Pan American Games in Toronto, where Trinidad and Tobago eventually took seventh-place with a 13-0 mauling of Cuba. Rocke, who plays for Malvern in the TTHB Men’s Championship Division, also proved his worth during a three-team tournament involving Mexico and Cuba, last June.
Alanna Lewis Quite visibly in a league of her own whenever taking to the outdoor field or indoor court, Alanna Lewis’ skill set and leadership qualities certainly counted as game winners, as her teammates were sure to testify. Lewis led straight from both the back and midfield as she helped Paragon to successfully defend its TTHB national women’s championship title, ahead of runner-up Harvard Checkers and third-placed Magnolia. She also played her part as Paragon also managed to retain its national indoor crown. The national women’s co-captain was also influential for the Trinidad and Tobago team during its second round tournament in Montevideo, Uruguay, during the FIH women’s World League competition; her unit managed a 5-0 hammering of Kenya during pool play and also scored a 3-2 play-off triumph over the Dominican Republic before eventually placing sixth in the competition. Lewis was particularly outstanding during a pool affair against France – she made some crucial defensive blocks – as well as the quarterfinal versus Italy. 22