After the youth matches ended, the adults took the field for the first match of week two games. They soon realized the sun was only shining on the youth players that day. The gloom and cold added to the foul field conditions created by the mud and puddle-ridden pitch. Those conditions were not going to dampen the spirits of the Three Lions Pub Pride as they were ready to take the field and fight for a win before heading to the special event at their sponsor. Their opponent, the Slim McGinn’s Sláintes, were just as eager to take the field.
The first player to shine brighter than the sun that disappeared was Slim’s’ Rory Burmeister who demonstrated excellent passing and also scored the first point of the game. The Sláintes would have quickly tacked onto their score if it were not for Three Lions’ captain and goalie, Ivan Baker. The defensive prowess continued with great plays by Reiley Hofschulte whose work allowed teammate Christian Neuenschwander to score a point for Three Lions. The rest of the quarter featured some great offensive play by Slim’s including a goal from Steven “Jake” Jakubowski. The quarter ended with Slim’s taking a solid lead 2-4 (10) over the Pride 0-1 (1).
Hoping to rally his troops, Kyle Christenson started the second quarter off by sneaking in a goal. A barrage of points and goals were aimed and scored by several members of Slim’s including Pat Foley. Three Lions came roaring back into the quarter, hoping to lessen the gap before the whistle. Great defensive efforts by captain Brian “Fu” Christ and Leland Emmons held back the Sláintes. This defensive stronghold allowed Christenson to score back-to-back points before the half. Despite the Pride’s defensive efforts, 1-3 (6) they trailed Slim’s’ 3-8 (17) at the half.
Three Lions’ full-forward line started the second half off with a bang sending in an amazing goal. Not to be outdone, the Slim’s’ forward line did a little rallying of their own while their teammates aimed for the uprights. A particularly beautiful point from a true stealth master on the field, Adam Blackwell, added to the Slim’s’ lead. Continued tenacity from Emmons kept Three Lions in the quarter and teammate, Jesse Rapkin, capitalized with a shot through the uprights. With each team only scoring five points in the quarter, Slim’s doubled the Pride’s score, 4-10 (22) over 2-5 (11).
It appeared that Slim’s was on the hunt and determined to finish the match leaving no doubt who dominated. They ramped up their offensive efforts with Burmeister and Jakubowski continuing to score. Teammate Nolan Smith, who had a beast of a game overall, earning him his team’s coveted “bullets,” scored two points. Inspired by their offense, the Slim’s’ defense held back the Pride with great efforts including a beautiful defensive flick by Tom Hansen. Despite the score, Three Lions’ Antonio Ninham and Mike Bent fought to the end to scratch out two more points. The final score at the whistle was 5-17 (32) Slim’s over the Pride 2-7 (13).
Slim McGinn’s Sláintes Upset Pride on Their Big Day
By: Cecilia Nieves