Golden generations only come around so often. With 14 players in their grad year, Glenlyon Norfolk School’s soccer dynasty is about to end.
The Gryphons senior boys soccer team will make its third straight appearance in the Colonist Cup, the city’s high school boys soccer championship. GNS edged the Claremont Spartans 1-0 in the semifinals at UVic on Tuesday. The Lambrick Park Lions defeated the Oak Bay Bays in the other semifinal, which needed a 10-round penalty kick shootout to settle a 1-1 tie.
A date still has to be decided for the Gryphons and Lions final at UVic’s Centennial Stadium, likely the week of Nov. 14.
Lambrick Park is responsible for the Gryphons' only regulation loss this season (GNS dropped a couple of shootout losses in tournament play).
"We'll be hungry to prove a point," GNS coach Hugh William said. "After this season we'll be rebuilding, as they say."
Williams added the win was sweet redemption for his team, having lost to Claremont in a shootout at the 2010 Colonist final. GNS won the Colonist Cup in 2009.
Lambrick Park, meanwhile, is the new kid on the block in 2011. The Lions are a perfect 10-0 so far this season and are looking to win their first provincial championship since 2001 and 2003.
“You could say we’re the favourite,” Lions coach Steve Legg said. “Our team is without (metro) players. It’s one with lots of heart, skill and work ethic.”
Goalie Jesse Hodges persevered for the Lions in the 7-6 shootout win over Oak Bay, with David Rivera scoring the penalty winner. Jyotish Khanna scored the winner for GNS over Claremont.
St. Michaels University School will host GNS and Lambrick as part of the AA Islands, Nov. 8-9, while Dover Bay will host the AAA Islands Nov. 7-8.