The Salmon Arm Secondary Soccer Jewels had a reality check Monday in their first league game.
They got thumped 6-1 by Mt. Boucherie Secondary. It was 2-1 at half with the lone goal scored on a free kick by Katie Harding.
Mt. Boucherie’s goals were quite spectacular. Their first shot was top right-hand corner. The Jewels’ goalie, Brooke Ambler, did not have a chance.
Salmon Arm played evenly with the Bears in the first half, but struggled in the second half under Mt. Boucherie’s constant pressure and speed.
On Wednesday the Jewels travelled to Rutland, where Salmon Arm won 3-0.
On a bumpy small field the game was quite crowded with no flow to the game. Rutland played more of a kick-and-run game, which was in stark contrast to Monday’s match. Katie Harding scored two of the Jewels’ goals with Maddie Lavery notching the single.
The team does not have a league game this week but travels to UVIC for a tournament that starts on Thursday.
Tough game
The Shuswap U18 boys travelled to Penticton for the second game of the season.
It was a spirited contest with both sides enjoying the lead during the game which ended in a 2-2 draw.
Penticton’s patient attack provided them with the majority of ball possession and more shots on net.
Shuswap, however, was responsible defensively and countered quickly after forcing Penticton turn-overs.
This hard-fought, physical game took its toll on both sides with injuries to key players.
Player health and conditioning will make the difference between the top and bottom of this highly competitive division.
Shuswap travels to Kamloops next Sunday for game three of a nine-game season.
