Cermaq City FC – a team under the umbrella of the Campbell River Masters Football Club – enjoyed a successful start to the new soccer season in the Vancouver Island Soccer League Division Three.
The newly formed team, which is a combination of the two Campbell River Mens teams from last season, secured an entertaining 4-2 victory over Bays United of Victoria.
Saturday was once again another glorious sunny day which added to the pleasure for the local supporters. Cemaq City had a dream start when after only four minutes, Markel Henderson scored a beautiful goal with a deft touch over the oncoming Bays goalkeeper after Eddie Lawson has knocked an excellent ball to him.
The midfield of Rob Shaw, Mark Ross and Eric Roberts were beginning to take full control but somewhat against the run of play, Bays tied the game with an opportunistic strike after some confusion in the Cermaq defence.
Not to be outdone, Cermaq again took the lead after 19 minutes. This time it was Henderson who was to be the provider as he nodded the ball down for the oncoming Paddy Cullen to finish in a composed fashion.
Once again, however, the game was to be tied as Bays countered and punished Ceemaq after a rather fortuitous tackle ricocheted to the feet of a Bays forward who broke away and scored. The excitement of the first half was not yet over and Lawson was to supply another assist after his fine cross was knocked in at close range by Ray Wilson to enable Cermaq City to take the third lead of the game.
The second half saw the local team get a comfortable grip on the game when Randy Walkus scored the fourth goal after a flick on at the near post by Cullen created a goal mouth scramble. Walkus was quick to react and secure the goal.
The rotating Cermaq defence of John Jepson, Antho Seville, Colan Grobantaler, Jason Fawkes, Wilson and Walkus performed admirably in the second half and were well marshalled by keeper Preston Johnny.
Cermaq could have scored a couple more as they gained in confidence. Quinton played in a spirited and tenacious manner which resulted in a number of chances.
All in all it was a very promising performance from a side just getting to know each other. Next week, Saturday, Sept. 20, Cermaq City FC travel to Salt Spring for a very difficult game. The team play at home every other week at Willow Point Sportplex with games played on a Saturday at 2:15 p.m.
The next home game is Saturday, Sept. 27 against Hellas FC.
n Meanwhile, two other teams associated with the CR Masters Football Club enjoyed winning starts this past Sunday. The Masters Over 45 Men’s team beat Nanaimo 2-1 and the Cermaq Women’s team defeated Oceanside 5-0. The CR Masters Over 35 have their opening game next Friday evening in Kwalikum.