The Richmond Pioneers finally returned to their home field, welcoming Point Grey Thistles to the cosy confines of Honda field. The Pioneers were just too strong for the injury-hit visitors, scoring three goals in each half for a comprehensive 6-0 victory.

The Pioneers started out strongly and took an early lead, Jusuf Skrijelj opening the scoring with a typically well-taken goal.

The home team doubled their lead with a goal from Danny Lazar, and Ken Kan added a third with a shot from 20 yards out that went in after hitting the underside of the bar.

Point Grey had a great chance to reduce the deficit, but a header from close range missed the target completely. Half time 3-0.

Pioneer keeper Gary Byrne, returning from injury, had an easy time of it in the opening half, with Dave Valitis having even less to do in the second half.

The Pioneer defense was rarely troubled. Just as well, because Jim Fitzgerald was playing like he didn’t want to get his hands dirty, not surprising after a week at Harrison Hot Springs getting his nails polished and hair coiffed.

Early in the second half, a wonderful pass from Kushnir sent Lazar through on goal to score his second of the game.

Kushnir himself got on the scoresheet with a shot that snuck underneath the Thistles keeper to make it five. Later, Casey Van Staal set up Stan Bogdanovich whose low shot easily beat the keeper, to complete an easy 6-0 victory.