We posted the Div3 standings HERE, today we look at some of the other 2018/19 LIWSA divisions.
The top tier (Premier) had four very competitive teams led by SFFC. At this tier most teams have former University calibre players on their starting XI rosters. Things change from year to year so it was nice to see SFFC climb from (near-)last to first. The PLSC team coached by SoccerWorlds JonL always does well. Lakehill EPIC broke into the top 2 with a very good year and played some lovely expansive football!
Div 1W:
Following a championship 2017/18 season in which Lakehill won provincials the team failed to launch as many players scattered to other teams (GorgeUtd). PLSC D1 and Gorge each won promotion to Premier which will help to have 7 teams in Premier next season! That also leaves a few promo spots into D1 from D2. The leagues aim is to have 10 teams in each division. But as Bays Prem discovered the calibre increment from D1 or D2 to Premier is significant!
Div 2:
Some teams are getting older and it shows as VWUtd struggled in D1 this year and last years promoted Cascades also were challenged to string some wins together but with no relegations it will be a new season next year! There are some questions over who will go up into D1. Peninsula holds the promo spot but will they field a club branded team or will a challenger take the Div1 spot? Waiting in their wings to go to Div1 are Castaways and Gorge FC. PLSC D2 struggled to sty up in D2 this past season. While newcomers: SaltSpring and the previous promoted Fernwood teams both did well in D2. The Gorge Utd D2 was also a team made up of young newcomers and should strengthen for the 2019/20 season.
In D3 there was one clear favorite all season, Nanaimo with what was a u19 team scored 50 goals and had the fewest goals against. They won the double with the league title and the Frank Leversedge Cup we wish them well in D2. The D3 second place spot was earned by Gorge while 3 points back was Sooke. Finishing with 31 points on 17 games played was Lakehill D3 who had led the league at the winter break. The team will be back next season to try again at earning promo. Nanaimo will create a new D3 team. Not sure about the other teams just yet.
Meanwhile in Over30B : Castaways did well to get promoted. Lakehill D3 played four of the O30B teams this season and only let in one goal (to Lakehill O30B). Many of these teams may elect to go to the new O35 division next season.
