With the Richmond Olympics unable to complete the scheduled league game a friendly game was rapidly set up and the Classics travelled to Tsawwassen to be involved in action with Delta United at the infamous Beach Grove field. The pitch was in remarkable condition considering that the heavens had opened the previous evening and it had never looked better to the visiting team.
It was a strong Classics team which took the field and it was the game which marked the official debut of new signing Pat Rohla. Rohla was soon involved with the play, making some decisive right wing runs and putting over some dangerous crosses to the lurking forwards, Bruce Cook, Billy Ranger and Jimmy Butler. The opening sequence was one of a constant barrage on the home defence. Alfie Deglan went close on a couple of occasions and all the forwards had chances of opening the scoring but the home keeper was in inspired form and continued to frustrate the attacking prowess of the Classics.
The defence saw the return of the 'Twin Towers' taking their place at the centre with Larry Thorlakson and Jim Eden on the flanks. It looked a formidable back line. The breakthrough came midway through the half when Ranger passed the ball back from the deadball line for Arcari who struck his opening goal of the campaign by hammering the ball wide to the right of the advancing keeper. It was a deserved lead after the Classics had relentlessly put on the pressure. Ranger had a 'goal' disallowed shortly after but only the referee knows the reason why and he won't tell because we think he's a mason. Brian Ghequiere was guesting for the Classics on a temporary loan from rivals BC Transit and he was playing a strong role in midfield along with Alfie Deglan, Danny Jensen, Arcari and Alan Burton.
The second half was played in a torrential downpour but luckily the driving rain was at the backs of the Classics although it was still an uncomfortable feeling, one which was likened to having a Vancouver firefighter behind you practising his hosepipe drill. Ghequiere increased the lead in the 65th. minute with a well struck shot and then Deglan sent another of his rockets heading towards the top right hand corner but the keeper somehow tipped the shot over.
The game was clinched ten minutes from the end of the game when Deglan put Rohla clear on the right wing. Rohla cut inside and lofted a delightfully delicate chip over the advancing keeper which dropped comfortably into the net. Delta did not venture up field too often but when they did they found the Classics defence lacking nothing and their efforts were snuffed out without too many concerns. The home keeper kept the score respectable and had an outstanding game, stopping many goal bound efforts. Even so, he didn't manage a shut-out like Moore did for the visitors.
Final Score 0-3 (0-1)
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