On Sunday, April 28, the Peter Coleman - Bob Jahelka- John Kufs fourth grade Rams lacrosse team (2-0) traveled to the wooded hills of Cold Spring Harbor High School in what shaped up to be an outstanding game, long on competitiveness and drama.

With the score tied at 5-5 and just 20 seconds remaining in the game, the Garden City coaches, players and fans held their collective breath as Cold Spring Harbor's best and biggest player fast-broke down the middle of the field with the winning goal in his sights. Steve Jahelka would provide one of the season's most memorable plays in executing a well-timed slide and body check that dislodged the ball, as time would expire.

Although much of the game was played inside each team's restraining line, this was a nip-and-tuck defensive battle from start to finish. Both teams belied their age in exhibiting discipline and patience, as much of the game featured settled-down possessions where several passes were completed around the perimeter of a packed-in defense.

True to seasonal form, Garden City jumped on top early. With just five seconds remaining in the first half, Devin Dwyer notched the later of his two unassisted goals to give the Rams a 3-2 halftime edge. Charlie Garcia (1 goal) was most effective in utilizing his speed to help the Rams clear the ball and Joe Horan, Kyle Lynch and Jack Manning were instrumental in giving Garden City the groundball edge.

The Rams' defensive unit of goalies, John Bock and Brendan Logan, along with D-Dogs Billy Allen, Tommy Adams, Timmy Noble, Tommy Martis and James Raphael were stellar in limiting Cold Spring Harbor to just five first-half shots on net. The tide would then turn in the second half, as CSH would dominate the battle of the ground balls in scoring three unanswered goals to take a 5-3 lead.

With just minutes remaining in the game, Coach Coleman used a time-out and calmly implored his Rams to respond. Moments later, Jahelka would "ring the bell" on a beautifully executed cut and feed from Matt Clarkson. On the ensuing faceoff, Mike LoFrese scooped the ground ball, sprinted down the field and fed Brian Coleman who proceeded to crank the game's tying goal. The Rams had responded! Following an Austin Kufs ground ball, Garden City burned their final timeout to set up a winning play. Three spectacular, last minute saves by the Cold Spring Harbor goalie would provide high drama and preserve the tie. On May 4, the Rams hosted the undefeated Rockville Centre "A-Division" team.

The Garden City Bombers baseball club will hold tryouts this Sunday, May 11 at 6 p.m. at Garden City Community Park Field 4. Participants in this tryout must be 13 years old, not turning 14 before August 1, 2003. The Garden City Bombers is a top quality baseball program with professional instruction, certified coaches and opportunities for inter-city and inter-state competition. The Bombers have represented Garden City around the New York and Long Island areas and in past seasons have even played at Disney's Wild World of Sports and the Doyle Brothers Baseball Academy in Orlando.

Open registration for the 2003 Thunder Football (ages 7-12 as of 11/30/03) ended Saturday, May 3. Applications postmarked after this date will require an additional $25 late fee in addition to the applicable league fee and will be accepted on the condition that if no position is available in the correct division, one's application will be rejected and all registration fees returned.

Registration will also be accepted at Olympic Den in Franklin Square. For more information and a printable application, visit www.gc-aa.com/football.htm. Those interested can also call Tom Wright (354-8237), Bob Jahelka (746-5205) or John Ernenwein (294-5044).