Schools showdown: St Sampson’s High full back Dane Mullen comes under pressure at Blanche Pierre Lane. (Picture by Steve Sarre, 0674595)
Elizabeth College 1, St Sampson’s High 3
WORTHY winners, St Sampson’s High retained the Spiller Cup at Blanche Pierre Lane last evening, but College made them work for the old trophy.
The losers, who pulled a goal back in the dying minutes through substitute Nick Rumens, who finished clinically, might even argue that had they been awarded a first-half penalty when many touchline observers thought Ben Cuddihee was tripped, there might have been a different result.
But that would have been blue-sky thinking on the College’s part. For all their hard work they came up against a side who had some outstanding individual talent and played the best football.
In colours to match the venue, it took St Sampson’s High just three minutes to go ahead.
Will Garnett had already seen a very early effort superbly blocked by Eric Sharman when he was put clear, rounded the keeper and fired firmly high into the net.
It was still 1-0 when Cuddihee went down on the half-hour mark under an approach from Jordan Gilvear.
But for every watcher in front of the clubhouse who insisted it was a blatant penalty, there were was another on the touchline who saw no infringement and, crucially, that was referee Colin Gontier’s verdict too.
A few minutes later College failed to clear a corner and St Sampson’s skilful and always busy skipper, Tom de la Mare, rifled the ball high into the net.
By now College had lost a player to injury and Rumens came on and nearly scored just before the break with the College’s only decent attempt of the half, a 25-yarder that flew only inches too high.
The second half saw the black-and-whites again dominate and a fine River Marsh pass sent Ryan Truffitt clear and the winger finished confidently: 3-0 game over.
The new school had other good chances but College stood firm and their tireless work was rewarded by Rumens’ finely taken late consolation.
For the winners Garnett’s elusiveness up front caught the eye, as did the way Danny Cooley coolly marshalled their defence and de la Mare drove them forward, but there was no better sight than Ryan Lamb’s classy wing play.
A natural left-footer, here is a player who can deliver quality balls and possesses lovely balance.
And, apparently, he has another year at this level. Spiller Cup Final: Elizabeth College out of luck with penalty appeal at Blanche Pierre Lane
Article posted on 21st November, 2008 - 2.29pm
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