After an exciting final week of regular season action the playoffs didn’t disappoint. Claiming many long time Footy Sevens scalps in the process, Holding Cell B’s individuals continued to exceed expectations and land a 1st place  league finish. This saw them matched up against fourth placed Best of the Worst in what proved to be a competitive and hard fought game. Holding Cell B grabbed the lead mid way through the first half while the defence kept their opponents from carving out any real opportunities. With time winding down Best of the Worst started to look more lively, firing wide when the goal within their sights. The breakthrough came 5 minutes from time as Best of the Worst’s keeper collected the ball and sent his team on what would prove to be a decisive counter attack. As the play moved down the wing, Best of the Worst’s midfielder let fly with an unstoppable shot into the corner of the goal. Momentum clearly shifted in favour of the fourth placed side and last kick of the game saw a free kick fly through the penalty area and strike the post. The dreaded penalty shootout was needed to solve this stalemate.
The first shooters both kept their nerve and slotted home. The second round of shooters saw Best of the Worst take the advantage with HCB missing the target completely. With the game on the line Best of the Worst fired the ball skyward to take it back to evens. This spurned opportunity would ultimately prove costly as Best of the Worst missed their next shot and HCB firing home for a berth in the final.
In the second semi final early season favourites Paleideros took on False Madrid. After some close calls either way in the opening exchanges, the third place Paleideros scored two in quick succession in what was shaping up to be a lop sided tie. However, with the half time whistle approaching False Madrid found a man unmarked inside the box and slotted home past the onrushing goalkeeper. Unfortunately for Madrid the goal only galvanized Paleideros further, who took the ball directly off the kickoff and restored their two goal advantage. With the score 3-1 at the half Paleideros looked to be set for the finals and although False Madrid fought back courageously to bring the game within touching distance, it proved to be too little too late. As pressure mounted Madrid looked increasingly susceptible to on the counter and this proved to be the insurance Paleideros needed, capping off the semi final win with a 4-2 scoreline.
As the final kicked off Paleideros picked up where they left off, slotting home the opening goal after one of their defenders embarked on a mazy run through the Holding Cell defence. Looking heavy legged after their hard fought win in the semi finals, the individuals simply could not match the energy of their opponents. Paleideros continued their dominant performance and opened up a 3-0 advantage as the teams took their halftime break. Despite a valiant effort in the second half from the losing team, Paleideros shut up shop and finished off the game with a comfortable 4-1 championship win.
As the Wednesday Night at Carleton comes to a close, Ottawa Footy Sevens would like to thank everyone involved for another great season!