Some unofficially call it the Vernon Cup – the last derby match between Okanagan 55s Soccer League rivals to end the season.
Kal Tire made it two years straight by dispatching Silver Stars 2-0 in a fast-paced thriller Thursday night at McDonald Park.
Red-hot Rob Hulstein registered the winner in the 44th minute. Kevin Mitchell received a feed from Grant Badgero down the right flank and sent a 25-yard cross to Kenny Rath inside the 18. Rath turned off his check and fed a wide open Hulstein, who drilled a shot from 12 yards past Dave Gould.
Hulstein, who also plays for the 45s Camels, has five goals in three games since studying soccer for a month in the Netherlands.
Maple Ridge import Glen Jones added insurance midway through the darkish final half, finishing with a hard shot after a nifty through ball by central fullback and Okanagan Pre-Wire Man of the Match Roger Irving.
Central midfielders Gary Dill and Jim Sparrow also sparkled for the Tiremen, frustrating phenom ball hawk Nigel Clack all night.
Kal Tire, who ended up fifth at 10-8-2, got stellar goalkeeping from Yogi Kongsdorf, who stymied Brian Eso twice on breakaways and held on to the ball tight on several other shots.
Pizza Hut Man of the Match for the third-place Stars (13-6-1) was marvellous dribbler Mahmoud Abdelkader at central midfield.
