The Sunshine Coast Scorpions had to settle for the silver medal after a tough 1-0 loss at the hands of the Surrey Ravens at the Coastal Cup finals in Richmond May 6.
The first few minutes of the game the Scorpions pressured in the Ravens zone as Bradley Huddlestone, Jordan Kammerle and Liam Rankin showed early determination and fought hard to break through. But the Surrey defence proved to be very tight.
About 10 minutes into the half, the Ravens turned the tables and started to attack. Scorpions' defenders Evan Griffin, Gabe Goerzen, Philip Fogarty and Cole Cooney played with intensity to keep the Ravens far from the net. When a quick Raven forward broke through, Tristan Tidder raced in, caught him and kicked the ball out. Xavier Benjamin made two crucial stops as the Ravens continued the assault, but finally, on another breakaway, a Ravens' striker got off an unstoppable shot, putting Surrey up 1-0 at the half.
In the second half, the Scorpions showed their perseverance and determination, spending significantly more time on the Ravens' side of the field.
Wingers Ben Luporini, Finn Rogers and Quin Towert had to battle for the ball to set up an offensive push. Midfielders Liam, Duncan Armstrong, and Justin Fodchuk were forced to beat the might of their checks for possession.
The hard work paid off as the Scorpions began to get outside shots on the Ravens' net. Everett August was awarded a free kick after one such battle for possession. His long, hard shot went just to the right of the top corner of the goal.
Late in the game, a Ravens' forward broke in behind the Scorpions defence, which had moved up the field to support the attack.Xavier appeared to be alone with the forward, when out of nowhere, defender Keegan Inkster made an amazing sprint and knocked the ball from the forward, as he was about to strike.
The Scorpions continued to press, with Jordan getting another chance at the net, but ultimately the Scorpions did not manage to score before the final whistle.
At the awards ceremony, the Scorpions received their silver medals and joined the other 47 teams in a parade around the Minoru Stadium, with many proud friends and family cheering them on.
The Scorpions hope to get their revenge, when they will face the Ravens again at provincials July 5 to 8.
- Submitted
