HANOVER TIES OYSTER RIVER IN SEMIFINAL REMATCH
Hanover helped longstanding rival Oyster River celebrate 50 years of NH high school soccer Saturday with a scintillating scoreless tie that showcased the sport at its highest level. The Marauders dominated the contest for the full 100 minutes, outshooting the host Bobcats 19-4, but could not dent a determined Oyster River defense, led by senior goalkeeper Ty Guarino. Hanover’s record “dropped” to 5-0-1, and Oyster River, again a contender for postseason honors, is now 4-1-1.
The game matched the two premier franchises in the state. No two schools have accumulated more state championships between them, and the rivalry goes back to the earliest years of competition in New Hampshire. That dominance has continued in the last ten years, with Hanover wining the Class I title four times in the last eight years, and Oyster River taking three in a row from 2001-2003, including a victory over the Marauders in the 2003 title game, a replay much like last year’s with Lebanon. It’s a rare year when the two schools aren’t among the last ones standing, and that was certainly the case last fall, as Hanover avenged a l-0 loss in the regular season with a 1-0 victory in the Class I semifinals en route to their second straight title. With that backdrop, it’s easy to see what this early-season meeting crackled with playoff intensity, especially since the match was the centerpiece of Oyster River’s 50-year celebration, and the sidelines were filled with Bobcat alumni and supporters.
It didn’t take the Marauders long to show that their early-season success was well-earned.
They established a distinct territorial advantage, although for the first time this season they were contending with a team with the skill and organization to counterattack. Hanover’s 7-4 edge in shots reflected the flow of play, and Ben Harwick was tested for the first time in goal, rising to the occasion with outstanding judgment in several testing situations.
The morning rain lifted by halftime, and the clearing skies brought a stiff breeze at Oyster River’s backs. Despite this overrated edge, the Marauders increased their pressure on the hosts, and came close to scoring several times in regulation, outshooting the Bobcats 7-0. Matt Wetherell and Ben Rimmer just missed on short-range headers, and Angus Kennedy came close to finding the range on a pair of free kicks. Another factor in Hanover’s edge in play appeared to be superior conditioning. Despite the fact that only one substitute entered the game for the Marauders, they got stronger as the game wore on into the extra sessions after regulation ended.
Hanover also dominated the overtime, outshooting Oyster River 5-0 and just missing on two bids by Josef Osheyack and watching an Eric Barthold bid just roll past the far post.
Both teams concluded the match with genuine expressions of mutual respect and the sense that they would be meeting again.
It’s out of the frying pan and into the fire for the Marauders, who now head to Lebanon Tuesday for a championship game rematch in the first installment of their home and home derby. The Raiders are off to a glittering 5-1 start, with only a 1-0 loss to Class I power Hollis, and the match should be yet another classic.
