Richmond Pioneers versus Stingers is almost guaranteed to produce plenty of goals, and this game didn't disappoint, as the Pioneers held out for a 5-3 victory in this eight goal thriller.

The Pioneers dominated the first half, scoring three goals before the Stingers seemed to wake up. The first goal game when a Graham Mason corner kick was thumped right into the crowded six yard box and was deflected into the net by a Stinger defender.

Not long afterwards, Danny Lazar scored one that the Stinger keeper should have had, the wet ball slipping through his fingers. As the Pioneers kept pressing, Stingers gave up another own goal. This time the defender was under pressure by the proximity of Lazar. 3-0 Pioneers.

Before the first half ended Stingers pulled one back, Pioneer goalie Gary Byrne having no chance.

The second half was much more even as Stingers pushed forward, pulling a goal back to make it 3-2.

The Pioneers were creating good chances too as the game swung from end to end, and a precise through ball from Ken Johnston found Chris Smith who finished coolly to make it 4-2 Pioneers. The Pioneers had some great chances to increase their lead but Johnston and Lazar both missed easy chances.

Stingers made it interesting when they scored again to reduce the deficit to 4-3, capitalizing on an error by goalie Dave Valitis, who replaced Byrne at the half. After suffering some anxious moments, the Pioneers finally put the game to bed when Johnston was on hand to tuck the ball away following an error from the Stinger keeper.

As always, an exciting encounter with the boys from Delta.