The Nighthawks have cemented their spot on top of the Runge Metro League after splitting the Anson Cup matches with the Kingfishers on September 13th. In beautiful conditions at the Calgary Canadian Irish Sports fields in the northeast, the two teams met in the closing rounds of the summer league. The Kingfishers needed to walk away with two wins to go into the final round with a chance of stopping the Nighthawks from winning the 2008 league title.
In game one, the Kingfishers looked on-track to cause an upset. They ran out to an early lead in the first half, kicking several goals courtesy of Sam "Newman" Woodward, Diana "Princess" Leon and co-captain Kathryn "Gangles" Zakus. Wayward kicking at the other end kept the Nighthawks goal-less going into half time.
Lori "Boss" Bossert asserted herself for the 'Hawks in the second half, kicking a goal and managing several effective midfield clearances. However, the 'Hawks lost their initiative when they pulled star on-baller Holly "Witchy" Greatwich from the midfield in order to cover Beck "VB" Jones at centre-half forward in her comeback game. Beck was too strong overhead, and dragged in a couple of great marks that resulted in goals and sealed a big Kingfishers win.
Final Scores - Game #11:
Kingfishers 6.8.44 def. Nighthawks 1.4.10
Goals:
Kingfishers: Jones 2, Bily, Leon, Woodward, Zakus.
Nighthawks: Bossert.
The second match of the day was a turnaround in fortunes. From the opening bounce, the Nighthawks showed great midfield depth, and led from the front. Having learned not to play reactive footy in the previous match, they moved Witchy into the forward line, and never looked back. Multiple goals to Meg "Ginger" Goodfellow, Witchy and Boss made for a comfortable margin at half-time, and the 'Fishers seemed headed for a drubbing.
To their credit, they turned it around in the second half. With confidence low and midfielder Erin "Sav" LeBlanc sidelined with a knee complaint, the 'Fishers lifted after Gangles soccered through an incredible goal from the pocket. Goals to Princess and Tonya "Foo" Strickand quickly followed, and when Laura "Sticks" Bily goaled with five minutes remaining, the game was on. Straight kicking under pressure was the difference though, as the 'Hawks kept their noses in front until the siren.
Final Scores - Game #12:
Nighthawks 9.0.54 def. Kingfishers 4.5.29
Goals:
Nighthawks: Bossert 4, Greatwich 3, Goodfellow 2.
Kingfishers: Bily, Leon, Strickland, Zakus.
Both teams showed a remarkable improvement in skills, understanding and form, which will put the club in great stead for our tilt at US Nationals. Thanks to all the supporters who came along to watch, injured players for running water and umpiring, and to those who helped cook the bbq and sell drinks.
For updates on the winners and where the Runge Metro League competition stands, view: http://calgary-kookaburras-metro.blogspot.com/
Kingfishers hit back hard, but Nighthawks take the title
