On the final game of the day, the right to challenge the Brocach Bandits in the championship hinged as the Shamrock Club Griffins faced off against the Silver Spring House Heavyweights. Having met just a week prior implied deja vu, but neither team would be the same as in the previous match. This was it, everything on the line, the entire season coming down to this game. One last chance to play again...for the MHC Championship!
Shamrock Club boasts an impressive aerial attack, while Silver Spring House has mastered the art of the second half comeback by whatever means necessary. Though scoring was tight, Heavyweights Tony Sholts and Captain Joel Ingebrigtson managed to start Silver Spring House out in good form. Though the Griffins erected a virtual wall, thanks largely to the defensive duo of Mike and Dave Morrow, Silver Spring House led at the end of the first quarter 0-4 (4) to 0-3 (3).
Full of momentum, and rooted on by injured teammate Pat MacLeod, Silver Spring House maintained their momentum, adding another point and a goal. For their part, the Shamrock Club Griffins began to find a bit of space out on the field, allowing them to take shots over the bar. Both teams played patiently, waiting for golden opportunities and then would strike to great effect. At the half, Silver Spring House, used to going into halftime behind, found themselves on top, but only just 1-5 (8) to 0-7 (7).
With the score so close, and yet so very much on the line, both sides solidified their defenses. Father and son duo, Mike and Nolan Hoffmann of Silver Spring House seemed psychically linked, assisting each other and moving towards natural passing lanes with barely a word. Heavyweight Captain David Olson likewise flowed into play, scooping up sliotar after sliotar, determined not to let anything past.
Although Shamrock Club’s defense also tightened up, the passing, tenacity and fluid play between rookie Zach LaVallee, John “Lindy” Lindstrom, Josh “Gutsch” Gutschow and Captain Vinny Moloney hammered the Heavyweight defense. Eventually, the Griffins slammed a shot into the back of the net giving them their first lead of the game: 1-9 (12) to 1-7 (10).
Shamrock Club, like sharks in a frenzy, clearly smelled blood and raged at their opposition. Sliotars rained down on the Heavyweights who turned many away as quick as you like. But, the sheer volume of shots taken virtually ensured some would score. As the Griffins advanced their lead to a difference of four total points, a sense of panic caused the Heavyweights to start hunting for goals. A green flag (goal) was soon raised for Silver Spring House, keeping them desperately in the game. But, the torrential downpour of white leather-wrapped cork towards the Heavyweight bar safely solidified the Shamrock Club win, and the honor of playing in the Championship with a nail-biting lead of 2-13 (19) to 2-8 (14).
Griffins and Heavyweights Battle it Out One Last Time for a Chance at the Championship
by Jack Harrold