With just about every grass field in the Lower Mainland closed due to the inclement weather of late, the Richmond Pioneers were lucky to get a game in on Sunday, as they traveled to Walnut Grove to play First Capital, comfortably beating the hosts 6-2.

On a day so wet, cold and windy even the ducks were running for cover, the Pioneers found First Capital depleted in numbers and loaned them three players, a not entirely altruistic gesture, as it meant no one would have to endure the cruel and unusual punishment of waiting on the sidelines.

 The Pioneers started strongly, scoring three goals in the opening 20 minutes, courtesy of Evgeni Kushnir, Jusuf Skrijelj and Ken Swanston. Clearly outclassed, First Capital struggled defensively and—good news for the Pioneers— striker Evgeni Kushnir was looking like the one-man-wrecking-crew of old, as he seems to have finally overcome the knee injury that had impeded him for many months.

Kushnir added his second goal of the game when he sold the Capital goalkeeper (none other than our own Dave Valitis) a dummy of comical proportions.

First Capital pulled one back before Stan Bogdanovic restored the four goal margin, and the Pioneers had a 5-1 lead at the half.

The rain and wind was unrelenting as the game went on, and you got the impression both teams—by now thoroughly soaked to the skin—were ready to pull the plug and retreat to the cozy confines of a public house.

First Capital scored a second goal before Kushnir completed his hat-trick with a brave header.

Despite the three players still loaned to their hosts, the Pioneers played the last 10 minutes with only 10 men when Ed Eviston left early, before the welcome sound of final whistle sent everyone scurrying to shelter searching for dry clothes.