United, fresh off a cancelled Tuesday night practice, agreed to play on one of the largest turf fields north of the 49th parallel. It was a cunning plan as both teams were superior fitness specimens.
The match started at a frenetic pace as both teams sought to assert themselves on the game. Initially, it looked like Cowichan would be stronger over the 90 but United played themselves into the game with strong early performances from Troy "Is Bounty the One With the Coconuts" Taillefer and Ryan "I Always Eat the Red One First" Braun.
At the quarter hour mark, United were boosted by the arrival of the Andre Villas-Boas of the second division, coach Holla.
Holla or Andre???
The bulk of the first half was played in the centre of the park as neither team could find the breakthrough they badly desired and at the half, the scores remained level.
Halftime saw the introduction of long time United Veterans Andrew "How Do YOU Like Your Coffee" Sails and Tim "Big Chunk of Fudge" Yager. It was only Sails second appearance this season as classes and other commitments had sidelined him in the fall. Yager, United's very own Christine Sinclair, saw his first official involvement of the term as he returned from Kokomo, which we are assured is a real place.
Both subs had an immediate effect as United pushed Cowichan in defending deep in their own half. Cowichan themselves soaked up the pressure nicely as they looked to counter attack on the break quite quickly.
In the end, neither team got the goal and the three points. It was a well deserved point for both teams as neither team dominated the game.
Next up, the rematch of one of United's great games this season as they face the Islanders of Saltspring on Saturday at the Foot.
Man of the Match: Timmy Yags
Holla Nash Award: None indicated
Moan of the Match: While it really is a lovely field, it needs to be at least 8 times smaller.
