Semi-final Friday

Game 2 - 12:30 - Canada vs. New Zealand - by Marco

Canada wearing red and the Wheelblacks in U know what. New Zealand started with their traditional Haka while Canada sat stoically side-by-side shoulder-to-shoulder arm in arm, swaying side to side.

The game started with Canada taking possession and scoring 1st, New Zealand answered right away and then Canada and then the s*** hit the fan. Team Canada co-captain Ian Chan after scoring goal #2 for Canada turned to the referee and asked for a chair measurement on Kiwi #5 Jai Waite (1.0), and after a lengthy delay his chair was deemed illegal and he was sent to the box but he made sure to show his discontent with the Canadians applauding the bench mockingly.

After a few New Zealand players spoke their peace, play was set to resume with New Zealand with the ball down one man. New Zealand scored while Waite stayed in the box until we scored.

As soon as Canada scored #5 was shown off the court and out for repairs that were provided at the facility. With this ruling New Zealand also lost the option to play Class 3.0 Dan Buckingham. But by the time Waite and Buckingham were set to come back in, New Zealand was down 3 after at the half with Canada set to start with the ball in the 3rd.

Canada never looked back playing cautious offense and key defense. Canada ended the game without any time outs using all ours by half; New Zealand had their full complement. The final score was 35-33 (12-10, 10-9, 8-8, 5-6).

While shaking hands, a player for the Kiwi’s no doubt caught up in the moment called everyone in the Canada line gutless for what he perceived was a cheesy move at the start of the game.

- Marco