The Hockey Association Malta (HAM) hosted an inaugural 5s tournament at the Corradino complex last weekend.

Hockey 5s is a new format of the game being promoted more heavily by the world and European federations.

The HAM has been entrusted with the organisation of the U-16 European Nations Cup for boys and girls next June and the 5s tournament was a trial of this new hockey format.

Seven teams participated and it proved to be a big success.

Fitness was certainly an issue for most teams but the enthusiasm and excitement in some of the matches more than compensated for the slow start.

In Hockey 5s, rules stipulate that there must be a winner in each game.

In case of a draw, teams are required to take one player off until there are two in each side (including a keeper) and golden goal wins the game.

One match in particular, between Sliema Hotsticks and White Hart 2, went all the way and excitement brewed when the remaining two players battled it out to try and score the winning goal.

The Hotsticks eventually nicked it but that game had everyone on edge.

Some good hockey was on display, too, as Qormi Yellows and White Hart 1 contested the final.

Qormi carried too much firepower, however, and although White Hart put up a brave show, Qormi continued with their winning streak to win this inaugural final 2-0.