Sarnia Produce vs. Tomlinson Enterprises, Tuesday September 14th.

 
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Winner take all! That was the scenario in place this past Tuesday night as Sarnia Produce faced Tomlinson Enterprises for the League Championship. The season's champions would be decided in a one game showdown. The Azzurri had a chance to clinch the title two weeks prior, needing only one point to do so. They were unsuccessful as they lost their final two season games to a defiant Esso squad. Tomlinson on the other hand won their last two games, creating a tie at season's end.

You could feel the tension in the air at the opening kick-off.  Both teams had long benches making for an exiting fast paced, high intensity tone of play. As in previous meetings, good solid scoring chances were difficult to find. The Azzurri seemed to pressure early on only to be denied by a tight Tomlinson defence.  Most of the action was concentrated in the mid-field.  The teams entered into the half tied 0 - 0.

As the second half opened, the play seemed to pick up with more urgency.  Produce dictated early play seeking that important first goal. Their efforts were rewarded in the 64th min. of action, when veteran striker Dino DeCarolis pounced on a rebound and placed the perfect ball into the upper regions of the net, over the outstretched arms of the Tomlinson keeper. The goal seemed to ignite the Tomlinson offence as they quickly turned to find the equalizer. The Azzurri seemed now content with the one goal advantage and opted for a defensive role. Not many quality chances arose as the Produce defence stood tall and firm. Strong efforts were evident by Produce defenders: George Stoukas, Mario DiDonato, Gus Tsaprailis, Tony DiSotto, Domenic D'Alessandro and Dino Petrucci.  Azzurri keeper Olindo DeSena Jr. shutdown any opportunities and held on for the shutout sending Sarnia Produce to their third consecutive league title.

The Azzurri return to play Thursday night in semi-final play-off action.
 

Final Score:  Sarnia Produce Azzurri 1 - Tomlinson Enterprises 0.