Ricki Nets High Five As Toronto Blitz Buds

Newcastle Herald

Monday May 8, 2006

By JAMES GARDINER

RICKI Metcalfe exploded with five goals to lead Toronto-Awaba to a stunning 8-1 win over Adamstown Rosebud in the Northern NSW State League clash at Peacock Field yesterday.

The Stags led 4-0 at half-time and went on with the job after the break to come away with their biggest win in recent history.

It was the the first time Metcalfe has bagged five and took his tally to seven for the season.

His goals were made up of two penalties, two volleys and a low drive.

Tom Libbesson scored a double and defender Rob Russell completed the scoring.

In an amazing effort, Metcalfe scored the first goal a penalty the third, fourth, fifth and seventh goals.

"Five goals is as good as it gets," Metcalfe said.

"I've scored a few hat-tricks and think I might have scored four once when I was at Broadmeadow, but never five.

"I guess I was just in the right spot at the right time.

"The boys worked really hard and created chances for me.

"It was my day today. Next week it might be someone else's day."

Metcalfe joined Toronto last season from Broadmeadow where he was the league's equal leading goal scorer alongside Chimaobi Nwaogazi with 19 goals in 2004.

He was near the top of the scorers list last season.

But Metcalfe has changed roles this season and is looking more to create goal chances.

"I am playing in behind the strikers this year and am trying to be bit more of a playmaker rather than scorer," he said.

"We have got Adam Rutledge and Tommy Libbesson who have been putting away a few goals, so it is working out well."

Toronto coach Jim Foley could not have been more pleased for his top sharp-shooter.

"It was a special day for Ricki and one he will remember for some time," Foley said.

"He has been in good form and today he made the most of his chances.

"I was very pleased with the whole performance. We want to develop some good habits, and I told them at half-time not to get complacent."

Elsewhere yesterday, Geoff Gillard scored a double to lead Phoenix to an emphatic win over Weston in the club's first game at No.1 Sportsground.

Alex Provost scored a treble to steer Hamilton Olympic to a comprehensive 4-0 win over Lake Macquarie, and Mitchell Johnson put away a double as Azzurri overpowered South Cardiff 3-1.

Edgeworth beat Broadmeadow 3-1 on Friday night.

© 2006 Newcastle Herald

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