An early season showdown for top spot in the RASA Summer League’s First Division featured plenty of wide open play and scoring as the Delta Blaze turned back the Rino Tigers 5-4.
The Blaze looked poised to run the Rinos right out of Dugald Morrison Park as they jumped out to a 3-0 lead by the 30th minute. But the Tigers regrouped and pressured Blaze for the remainder of the half and were unlucky not to get on the scoreboard following a number of close calls on the Delta net.
In the second half, it was all out attack for Rino and within 20 minutes they had scored twice to make it a one goal game.
They kept up the pressure but this left the Tigers defending vulnerable to counterattacks. As they buzzed for the equalizer, the Blaze broke the away and restored a two goal lead. Delta would find another opening and make it a 5-2 to seemingly be back in full control.
However, the Tigers lived up to their name and clawed back to make it 5-4 with 15 minutes remaining when the valiant comeback finally ran out of time.
The Blaze now sit at 3-1-0 on the season, while the Tigers fell to 2-0-1.
In Division Two RASA action, Ex-Pats FC and Richmond All Blacks share the lead at the top of the table with 3 wins and one loss each. EPFC beat Tanoah 6-1 and All Blacks beat the Graduates 4-2.
