The L.V. Rogers Bombers boys’ soccer team fell to the David Thompson Lakers of Invermere in a competition for the provincial spot, ending their season for the year on Friday.
“We didn’t have any of our Grade 12s for Friday, but the Grade 10s and 11s were excellent,” said coach Simon Lidell.
The boys won two games, the first 5-0 against Creston’s PCSS and the second 4-3 against the Kimberley team.
“We only had one sub for both games and the boys were very tired a little beat up after Friday,” said Lidell.
The boys returned from the Creston tournament on Friday evening for Halloween, then bussed back along with Grade 12s Dylan Bennet, Ryan Lewis and Andrew Tranfo for the next round on Saturday.
“It was freezing cold with driving wind and rain for the first game and we beat Trail 7-1,” said Lidell. “That got us through to the final. We faced a team from Invermere which the rep team lost to in August. We had not seen the Invermere team this season and I didn’t even know there was a team until they showed up at this tournament.”
The Invermere team, consisting primarily of Grade 12s, included student who had been playing soccer together for several years.
“They were really good,” said Lidell. “We were the more skilled team but they were bigger and more aggressive. They had a big striker who was lightning-fast and we were missing Nick Wethel, our centre back.”
Liddell swapped Rowen Meagle into goal, as he was the backup keeper.
“Dylan Bennett played an excellent game in the centre back position along with one of the German exchange students, Jacob Hagele, but neither of the boys had the wheels to keep up to keep up with their big striker and they scored three quick goals off through balls,” he said.
Liddell said the uncooperative weather was frustrating.
“The wind was blowing strong in their direction for the first half, then died for the second half. They got another couple of goals to go up 5-1 at one point. We made a late rally and scored two late goals but it was not enough,” he said.
The boys lost 5-3, which ended the season.
“The boys took loss with a lot of class and congratulated the Invermere squad. There was definitely some disappointment on the bus ride home, but we have had a great season,” said Liddell.
“Invermere deserved to go through.”
Liddell said all the boys played well but Lewis, Bennett and Tranfo should be recognized for their leadership on the field.
“The kids are looking forward to making another provincial run next year,” he said.