Jolly Coachman 1 Richmond Pioneers 0. The injury list grew as the Pioneers travelled to Pitt Meadows on Sunday and came up on the wrong end of a 1-0 scoreline. Already missing strikers Eugene Kishmere and Ben Fung, the defensive corps were also stretched, as both David Chan and Mike Mogul were missing for the Pioneers.

The scoreless first half produced few real chances for either team, except for one notable save from Gary Byrne. Early in the second half, Pioneer's leading scorer Ken Johnston left the game with a bloodied nose after a 'collision' with the goalkeeper, and he did not return. The ill-tempered game was developing a nasty edge, and a couple of flash points almost ignited this tense encounter. The breakthrough came late in the second half when Jolly Coachman broke through to grab the lead, one that they would not surrender.

Pioneers came close soon afterwards on a powerful shot from Herb Lanz that cannoned off the upright. In the end, a tough loss. As the injury list grows, there is growing speculation that the Pioneers may enter the transfer market soon to bolster the depleted squad.

Next game. It's a long trip to Mission this coming weekend. John Tsang will no doubt email all team members with directions later in the week.

Christmas Dinner. The Pioneers annual team Christmas Dinner is to be held on Saturday Dec 21st at the Richmond Inn, at 7:00pm.

Viva Las Vegas. Mike is taking a team to a Las Vegas Over 48 tournament on Jan 18 to Jan 20, 2003. Contact Mike or John Tsang if you are interested.

Here's the Pioneers team photo taken before the third place game against Cliff Avenue in the Penticton Tournament.