An enthusiastic Father’s Day crowd came out to cheer on the Shuswap U18 boys in their play-off game against Penticton on Sunday at Blackburn Park.
The pitch was in excellent condition, the sun was shining and both teams were ready for a high-intensity game.
Both teams settled into their game plans early in the first half with Penticton using possession and high-pressure tactics to create scoring chances, while Shuswap opted for low pressure with reliance on the counter attack. At the half, Penticton had recorded five shots on goal and Shuswap had five that missed the target but the score was still 0-0.
Penticton took the lead early in the second half with a scrambly goal that saw the ball as well as three players end up in the net. Shuswap responded with an urgency in attack that created chances but also left it exposed defensively. Penticton went up 2-0 midway through the frame and then settled into a defensive arrangement to scuttle Shuswap efforts. The boys fought to the final whistle, forcing the Penticton keeper to make some key saves in the final 10 minutes. In the end, though, it was not enough and the season came to an abrupt end.
For five of the boys, it was their final game for Shuswap FC after representing their community for the past seven years. Despite the loss, the dads (and the moms too) were proud of their boys who are now plotting their comeback for the 2014 season. Thanks to all the fans for their unwavering support and to the city for maintaining Blackburn as one of the best pitches in the region.
Remarked coach David Knight: “This year has been a very rewarding year for not only myself, but for the rest of the coaches as well. The boys were very focused every practice with a great desire to learn. We are lucky enough to have a great group of kids with an even greater group of parents that really make this more a family than a team. I could not be prouder of our group and look forward to next season.”
Players are: Morgan Crandlemire, Nate Kantymir, Westlee Bischoff, Nathan McNeilly, Jacob New, Dylan Staal, Eric Brock, Nathan Hawe, Nick Chesney, Lachlan Hicks, Adam Luchkanych, Brendan Melin, Dan Schager, Quinton Fahlman, Marshall Kutyn, Ian Bulmer, Isaac Walton and Micah Gunn. Assistant coaches are Ken Kantymir, Alun Walters and Lorne McNeilly.
