The first championship game pitted Wabush against Canon in the master’s division. The two teams had meet in last year’s championship game with Wabush having the edge.
The game opened up with Wabush putting one past the goaltender nearing the five-minute mark of the first half.
Not wanting to see a repeat of last year, Canon poured on the pressure turning the game into a back and forth showdown.
But both goaltenders held their ground, resulting in Wabush squeaking by with a 1-0 win. It was their second consecutive cup.
The second championship was in the ladies division, which saw Woodward’s face off against Northfield.
Woodward’s, last year’s defending champs, were trying for a fifth consecutive cup, but going for their first, Northfield wanted the trophy just as bad.
Woodward’s set the pace early in the game by scoring seconds into the first half, and twice more before the half was over.
Shortly into the second half Woodward’s put another past the net-minder, but a well-placed kick from Northfield found the back of Woodward’s net.
Despite the goal, Northfield wasn’t able to capitalize and Woodward’s finished the game with an 8-1 victory.
The men’s division was the last championship match and pitted Chiasson’s Red Dogs against Lewis Concrete.
Chiasson’s were going for their second consecutive cup, but not if Lewis could help it.
The first goal of the game went to Chiasson’s after the Lewis goaltender took a risk by leaving the net to put the ball back in play. But it didn’t pay off and a leaky goal was let in near the halfway mark of the first half.
The rest of the game turned into an intense match up with more than one player from both teams finding their way into the penalty box.
Try as Lewis might they couldn’t find a way to score, leaving Chiasson’s to claim a 2-0 victory.
Other awards presented at the event were: Makkovik was declared Plate champs in the men and women’s category.
The tournament Most Sportsman Like awards were to Glen Pittman in the men’s, Corina Price in the women’s, and Charlie Mitchell in the masters.
Tournament MVP’s went to Brian Smith in the men’s, Kelly Way in the women’s and Pat Adams in the masters.
After the five-day event had wrapped up, organizing committee member Paul Motty said the event was a complete success.
“We had a great event and people – players and spectators – really seemed to have enjoyed themselves,” he said.
Mr. Motty said the Minor Soccer All-stars exhibition was also a big hit with the crowd.
“People enjoyed the U12 game that we had because that’s the future of Lab Cups to be played,” he said.
Out of the 25 teams that participated in this year’s tournament, eight were from outside of the area – six from Labrador City and two from Makkovik.
Mr. Motty said the extra participation was greatly appreciated
“They make the extra effort because it involves extra fundraising and there are extra accommodations, so they have to go through a little bit more than the local teams do,” he said. “We really appreciate the fact that they are willing to do that because it adds a great variety of skills and players to the tournament. It’s excellent.”
Next year he hopes to see a team or two make their way up from the south coast. Mr. Motty understands that it would be a long trip for the teams but said the committee would make an effort to accommodate them in the schedule.
reporter@thelabradorian.ca
