MVP "Lightning" Badour Recharges Cat II |
Cataraqui II 2 vs Bentley’s Windows LCFC II 1
The return fixture at St Lawrence College saw the boys in black on the correct side of the score line against Bentley’s. The game started after a perambulation by the officials to inspect the field after a deluge which included some fair sized hail stones. All was deemed well, and with the thunder and lightning receding into the distance and Val sporting Max’s tiger shirt and Billy Stewart’s belly, the game got underway.
Cataraqui II took this game to Bentley’s right from the start. There were a number of good runs on both sides of the field, but not too many shots. A couple of the Bentley’s forwards showed good speed, but the defense was solid. Val’s gloves (borrowed from Spiderman – unlike the top borrowed from Tigger) held on to everything.
In a repeat of the previous match, Paul Blais let forth a thundering shot destined for the top corner. No referee in the way this time, only the crossbar prevented this one from going in. Ben (the barge) Bowen had a great game in midfield, and put the lie to those who thought his goal against Johnny Macs was anything other than a determined effort. Once again his shot from the side line looked destined for the net, but the Bentley’s keeper just managed to get a hand on it. No score at half time.
The second half was again a bit of a one sided affair, with Cataraqui II controlling the midfield well and keeping Bentley’s to long range efforts and occasional bursts down the sideline.
The first goal, when it came, went the wrong way for the play. There was little doubt that Ross Corcoran made an over enthusiastic challenge at the edge of the box and a penalty was (correctly) awarded. Although it appeared that Ross had broken the player’s ankle (at least by his reaction – see attached), the Bently’s orange booted forward managed to run up and place the penalty well out of Val’s reach before hobbling off (perhaps Val should have kept the orange and black shirt on – it was more distracting).
The heads stayed up, and the boys were rewarded with a penalty of their own after Joe (brought up by coach Kennedy from the C Division) was climbed all over by a Bentley’s defender (who right to the end had no idea what he had done wrong). Faster than folks moving away from a Billy Stewart special, the box emptied of Cataraqui II players, and it was left up to coach Kennedy to nominate Warren Tutty to slot the ball home from the spot. The boys kept up the pressure and this eventually paid off with about five minutes left when Jason Shepherd deftly turned the ball into the net.
This was a very good result which keeps us within striking distance of third place (although we sit fifth on goal difference).
There was a great turn out by the fans on what started off as a pretty stormy night. Bobby, Stevie and Billy were there with golf umbrellas at the ready, and Rick Pierce (who hasn’t missed a game as a supporter of club) was also there with his impressive knee brace. We hope to see him back in nets before too long.
The next game is against the newly renamed SGSP United at Caton’s 1 – the last of the 6:30 games for us before the early starts kick in. A good turn out would be nice since this is the team in fourth place above us on goal difference only.
Ross Morton
