It was not a flashback --- the sight of ex-RP Team striker Norman Fegidero rushing down the left flank, beating two defenders before firing a left-footed low shot for another goal at the Paglaum Sports Complex pitch.

It was Fegidero, now 36, relieving his glory days yesterday, slotting two goals in 10-men West Negros College's 5-0 rout of the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos in the division 1 tournament of the NOFA Provincial Men's Open Championships.

One of the most feared strikers in the Philippines in the 1990s was at the heart of the WNC attack yesterday. Fegidero broke the ice in the 5th minute, delivering a blistering left foot strike after a loose ball scramble inside the box.

"I'm happy that I'm getting back into shape," Fegidero told the DAILY STAR after the match.

But the WNC playing-coach downplayed his team's chances heading into its highly-anticipated match with La Salle on Sunday.

"La Salle remains the favorite," he said. The Wesnecans, however, will be boosted by the arrival of national team members Roel Gener, Wilson de la Cruz and Edward Sacapaño. Despite the sending off of defender to Salermo Gula in the 42nd minute, the WNC XI, which played minus its prized reinforcements from Manila, persistently attacked and was rewarded in the 55th minute when Richard Cañedo connected on a right-footed shot that went straight into the left bottom corner.

But the day belonged to Fegidero, who sent a strong message with a classic finish in the 74th minute when he outmuscled and outran two defenders before beating UNO-R keeper Nelson Chiong.

Fegidero also assisted on strike partner Reydrick Villiran's close range goal in the 69th minute. Robert Cañedo completed the rout in the 75th minute.

It was the fourth straight competitive game that Fegidero scored. He also scored five times in four games when WNC won the Cebu Open Championships in May. Meanwhile, the Wesnecans sustained its momentum in the Division 1 of the Under-19 competitions by routing Bago City Football Club, 14-0, Saturday. WNC's main rival, USLS, was held to a scoreless draw by UNO-R in the other division 1 match.

In Division 2 of the men's open hostilities, Bacolod United FC and Himamaylan FC started their campaigns Division 1 during the semifinals by emerging victorious against separate opponents.

Bacolod United registered a 3-1 triumph over Cadiz City FC, while Himamaylan blanked Kabankalan City FC, 2-0.

Fredrick Jan Serios, a graduate of USLS, came up big for Bacolod United, scoring in the 49th and 58th minutes after a 1-1 tie in the first half.

Jopet Baldava broke the ice for Bacolod after striking in the 8th minute, while Cadiz booter Eric Agudo tied the game at 1 in the 45th minute.

In the Himamaylan-Kabankalan tussle, Samson Fegidero booted in goals in the 63rd and 90th minutes for the Himamaylanons. *CPT/CIT

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