Nelson soccer teams pushed hard during the finals at the Lakeside soccer fields this weekend as three divisions competed for the coveted trophies.
Men’s Open
In the Men’s Open, the Hume Innkeepers won against Kootenay Co-op with the singular goal of the game scored by Mitch Melanso in the first half of Saturday’s game.
“This is the second year in a row our team has won the Men’s Open outdoor title,” said team captain Kerry Dyck. They also won it two previous times in 2010 and 2011.
The Hume Innkeepers. Tamara Hynd photo
Ladies Rec
On Sunday top ranking Ladies Rec’s Wildcat’s battled the Dirty Dozen to take the trophy after their 3-0 win. Wildcat’s Nicole Thomas scored two goals and Sheena Grant scored one. The Wildcats said it was a tough game against the Dirty Dozen.
“They are a fast team,” said captain Jessica Westerlund. The Wildcats also gave credit to their keeper, Diane, who earned a shutout.
“Our keeper was amazing,” said the team.
“Awesome” is how the team feels about their win, adding: “It’s about time!”
Although the young team has dominated the league since they joined three years ago, this is the first time they have made it to the finals as they have been repeatedly eliminated in the semi-finals.
The Wildcats. Tamara Hynd photo
Men’s Masters
Although the teams were fairly evenly matched, Retallack (formerly Club Inter) outscored division-leader Ted Allen’s Jewellery 7-1 for the win in the Men’s Masters division.
Team Retallack. Left to right, back row: Johnny Colbeck, Tony Maida, Dino Falcone, Jake Kelly, Xavier Schutter, Terry Moore, Marcus Nott, Al Gluckman. Front: Roshan D’souza, Phil Pinfold, Darren Peloso, Shayne Brandel, Lenny Arabia,and Adam Chochinov. Submitted photo
Retallack’s Dino Falcone was the first to score-an impressive goal from 35 yards out. Four goals were scored by Marcus Nott, Jake Kelly scored off a penalty and Terry Moore also put one in Ted Allen’s net.
The team was excited about their win.
Retallack caption Johnny Colbeck said: “It feels great to be back”, as Falcone explained the team has been dull the past couple years.
“We’re a team,” said Colbeck, “when we all contribute and play intelligently, we win.”
Champagne celebrations: The Wildcats and Innkeepers celebrate well-earned wins (below). Tamara Hynd photos
