2006 Western Canadian Championship
in Calgary on August 5 and 6, 2006
By RONAN DEANE
The Western Canadian Championship is finely balanced. In the ladies division, after a long absence, the Vancouver ladies turned up in Alberta hoping to wrestle the Championship from Edmonton's grasp. Alas, it was not to be.
The Edmonton girls have many new faces, but there remains that strong core. Dawn Krawchuk, Andrea Mooney, Karen Hansen and Colleen Whelehan, the defensive foundation; Janet Harvey and Carlin Acheson rampant in midfield, and, the goal machine, Ainsley Baldwin up front.
The Calgary Chieftainette's, with Kim Tulloch's MVP performance, and Cindy Chalmers in fine form, scored some deserved victories and will be a force in 2007. Vancouver was unbeatable at home, but vulnerable away. Rita Burke and Katrina MacAndrew played exceptional football, and the Harps did miss their warrior, Erin McGinley (injured in first game).
The men's championship was a nail-biter. After round one, in Vancouver, each team was poised for victory. However, the Calgary round of matches was a roller-coaster. In the end, it was so close, it came down to points difference.
Vancouver Harps were the first to falter. Missing countless opportunities, they gifted Calgary a one point victory that set the Chieftains atop the championship table. The Bakay brothers in the Chieftains defence were imperious.
Next came Calgary's stumble. Colin Baugh (Edmonton) and Adrian Lagan (Calgary) traded scores in an even first half. When Mike West goaled late-on for Calgary, it looked good for the Chieftains - but, the Wolfe Tones dug deep and with virtually the last kick of the game, Larry Conneely goaled to give Edmonton the win. The Championship was wide open again.
Edmonton's destiny was in their own hands. Calgary had to hope for a slender Vancouver win. A victory by five points or more would make the Harps champions.
When it mattered most, the Harps produced arguably the performance of 2006. Gareth Moore scored two goals and Padhraic Leavy's kicking was immaculate. Kevin Murray was "the rock" in defence, leading from the back. Nine points was the margin. Enough for the title.
Amid calls for some review, the 2006 Championship will be remembered for being unable to separate the men.
|
