A fourth consecutive Championship was on the line for the Mighty Royal Oaks
this Super Bowl Sunday. But a lot more was at stake for the Club and many
Oaks fans were on hand for the Keith Bower Final on a beautiful, warm and
clear day on the Bay.
The Oaks started a bit slow, somewhat flat. Nerves made play cautious, but it wasn't too long before the passing game got started. Then, after 9:29 Alex, our Ruski, slipped a precision ball thru to Gerry, who's finishing has been on the mark during the finals, scoring 2 in semi final, and promptly upped the anty here. Oaks up 1- 0.
La Loma fought hard and a play on the Oaks defensive left took its toll on Gazza.
Gary goes down hard , rolls and must come off. But Gaz is tough and needed. He was back after getting patched up and showed why he was last year's recipient of the honored, "Player of the Year".
But the harsh tackle on Gazza did not change the momentum and a quick transition found Dave Lora Lozano in the box. His unselfish pass to Gerry would be rewarded later and left the Oaks star striker poised to score. Only the metal clang of the ball off the cross bar remained after his shot had kareemed back into play , the strike had surely beaten the keeper in this 24th min.
Then minutes later Marty Foster was taken down at the edge of the attacking third right side. Shaggy was called up from the back and at the 30 min mark his header from this free kick by Wottridge began to demoralize the opponent. Oaks 2, La Loma 0.
Pushing up in a desperate attempt to get back in the game, La Loma left the left side unmarked.
Victor, from midfield takes it down the left and into the box, cutting to the goal line with Scooter at top of box lurking. But Victor buries his chance with a toe poke to the far corner. Oaks up 3 0.
But La Loma never gives up and is subsequently awarded a penalty kick w/ 2 min remaining before half. Kindreds "love tap" was miss interpreted by Center ref Mr. Dick Headgusinya and a dim ray of only hope, shone on the yellow and black/white stripped Latin side.
A La Loma goal could have changed momentum. But GT, Gary has the distinction of having now saved 2 penalties in 2 cup finals, as the La Loma striker misses wide right.
The interval speeches were typical. This time however, there was a smell of victory in the air.
The second half whistle blew and the Oaks came out strong. After 2 min. Jerry beat his mark on the right and passed the ball to Dave. Dave made no mistake from the 6, blasting his right footed shot mid height and tight left for a 4-0 lead.
Shortly there after a Little dink makes it 4 1.
Defensive play was too strong for La Loma, Cookie, was on fire with brilliant runs from the right back position, unbalancing the Loma defense with dangerous crosses to Oaks front runners.
DD was as consistent as ever, going for 85 min stopping runs and distributing balls wide.
John White was never beaten in the air and showed over and over again why this Orient transfer was an important move at last years January window.
Nando came on and demonstrated his toughness, still w/a desire to perform. And perform he did, so well in fact after returning from a long injury recoup period.
Ian Mcrory rounded out the impenetrable back 4 and was called for a push in the box after the La Loma striker tried a Maradonna, "punching" the ball at goal. The Argentine in '86 may have invented volleyball, but the assistant ref, Mr. Blynder Thanabuthol signaled penalty kick.
A new taker promptly scored, 4-2. w/ 20 to play.
But the Oaks front runners were enjoying themselves today Gerry to Dave in the 74th made it 5 -2 Oaks.
Then a consolation for La Loma and a goal made it 5 -3.
Searching for his first goal over 50, Scooter had his chances, but it wasn't meant to be and like all good things that must come to an end, the streak of Cup final goals was over.
With practically no time left Dave got what seemed to be a " ceremonial second yellow" and no red, apparently the ref had forgotten his first yellow.
But then the whistle blew and the Oaks had done it.
So, it was off to the Pyramid for a post celebration, where toasts to the team and to our absent friends were plentiful.
Managerial kudos must go to the success of Martin Kindred. He has put up w/ a lot of difficult player issues and came through. When he first arrived at the field, spotting the ref, he was quoted as saying, "Oh my God, how many sending offs will there be today?".
The Miramonte and Cal midfielder Apple mused, "great 1/2 half, we had to do it for Keith!"
Others were heard chanting a familiar Pretenders song w/ word changes: "Way to go O Hi Oaks!". Only fitting for this group.
"Really feels sentimental", said Marty Foster. Earlier the 46 year old midfielder had roused the players w/ his , " today you sweat your gut for the cup" statement.
Speculation ran amid some with a thought that it was, " Not inconceivable to get 5".
And finally, the Oaks players this year are duly dubbed, " The Knights Templar of the Cup", bound by blood to protect the Cup and its rightful home at all costs.
Some say 4 grand slam golf events in a row, would equal the feat the Oaks had pulled off but, Marty Foster ,who took the Cup home tonight put everything in proper perspective when he said, "In 20 years, we will quit all sports and go surfing!"
Steve Foster