Carihi boys began their defence of the Senior Boys AA High School Island Championship with a very encouraging trip to Victoria last weekend.
In game one, the boys played “AAA” Claremont and in a highly enjoyable and competitive game, the Tyees came out with a 3-2 victory.
The opening goal was scored after Taylor Arbour found Kevin Shelswell with a quick pass. Shelswell attacked the space in front of him at pace, went by the defender and calmly slotted the ball past the keeper. Shelswell was to score his second ten minutes later when an excellent pass from Alex Foge at the top of the 18 yard box enabled Shelswell to turn and drive a fierce shot that was too much for the keeper.
Claremont, which used the game as a try out, continued to rotate its 23 players and fought back well in the second half to draw the scores level. Arbour was to secure the victory in the 76th minute when a lofted free kick was somewhat fumbled by the unfortunate keeper.
Overall an excellent game where the defensive partnership of Anthony Vigneron and Aiden Anderson continued to blossom. Full backs Tyler Kelly, Carter Colblenz, Alexandre Desrochers and Dylan Sparling performed in fine fashion and got forward whenever they could.
In the second game the Tyees took on “AAA” Stelly’s who had lost most of their squad to graduation last season. The game saw a comfortable 3-0 victory for Carihi.
The game opener was scored by the industrious and speedy Zach Tillapaugh. After some sharp passing leading up to the goal, Tillapaugh received the ball about ten yards out and hit the ball with the outside of his right foot which proved too much for the keeper to handle. The rotating midfield of Arbour, Foge, Shelswell, Karson Kroetsch, Greg Robertson, Jason Fawkes and Connor Fairweather worked in tireless fashion and continued to help create numerous chances.
The second saw another goal by Shelswell who ran in from the left with the ball, beating a defender and driving the ball past the keeper. The second half saw a courageous effort for the Stelly’s team but only one more goal was added and that was from Carihi. A superb ball was sent down the line by full back Colblenz. Shelswell made a superb angled run and chipped the onrushing keeper.
The Tyees continued North Island League play with a home game versus Timberline on Wednesday. On Friday, Carihi goes on the road with games against Kwalikum and Dover Bay.
The Senior “B” team who play in the same league will travel to Courtenay to play a double header against GP Vanier and Brooks of Powell River.