GAELIC SPORTS WORLD Issue 38 – November 16, 2015 | Page 19

and made a spectacular second save when Chamberlain attempted to strike Barry’s ricochet into the net. Barry would
certainly be a nominee for man-of-the-match honors for
his first-half performance, which along with the spectacular defense from Coby Baker and Chris Davis shut down
the Ports for the remainder of the half, and a late-half goal
gave the Leesiders the lead going into the break. Ports 1-2
(5) to Leesiders 2-2 (8).
PORTS FIGHT BACK
The second half saw the Leesiders open the scoring when
Officer David “Hightower” Smith, found the back of the
Ports’ net. Although Johnny Watson and Nick Chamberlain
found a couple of points to keep the Ports in it, the match
looked to be the Leesiders’ for the taking. A shift in the
match came when Ports’ Captain, Brendan Rauer, moved
Sam D’Amico onto the forward line and slid Katie Sampuda
up into the midfield. D’Amico, on his first touch skirted a ball
past the Leesider keeper for a goal. He was quick to follow
with a second, which brought the sides level.
As the tough play continued up front for the Ports, their
defense came into form. Torrey Stroud shut down “High-

tower” Smith, while the rookie, Emily Rodriguez did well to
put up some strong defensive pressure, winning balls and playing them into the Ports’ midfield. The Ports gained confidence
playing excellent team hurling—defending, passing, and setting each other up for scoring opportunities. Grant Gill and
Corbett Ouellette did well to win balls in the midfield for the
Leesiders, but their hard work rarely resulted in points. Johnny
Watson sent a screamer from near the 20-meter line into the
upper corner of the keeper’s net, while D’Amico continued his
goal scoring ways. Chamberlain and Caleb Harper added to
the Ports’ tally with fine points from range.
LEESIDERS FIGHT HARD IN CLOSING MINUTES
As the match moved into the closing minutes, both sides dug
deep into their reserves. The Ports hoped to hold onto their
lead, as the Leesiders fought hard to get back into the game. A
late goal from t HY\