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NEW LOOK WILDCATS TURN THE GARGOYLES TO STONE IN ROUND #1
This past weekend, the Hamilton Wildcats opened their 2007 season against the Guelph gargoyles, in what looked to be a
very close battle between two perennial rivals at Humber College North in Toronto. Guelph has always been a very strong
opponent for the 'Cats with their great speed, youth and toughness. The "new look" Wildcats were hoping to catch the
Gargoyles off guard with their revamped backline, in addition to many new faces on the wings and in the forward line.
Hamilton definitely sent a message early with a thunderous bump from 6'7" Paul "The Law" Lawson on the opening bounce,
leaving Guelphs ruckman sucking dirt for several minutes and giving the 'Cats plenty of possessions early on. The middle
four of lawson, barry Crow, newcomer Derek Rutten and Mike Nolan worked well in the first quarter, with Hamlton winning
99% of the taps and their rovers working hard to clear the guts. First year Wildcat, Daniel "Crouchy" Crouch definitely
made his mark in his first gamewith his new club, "uncorking the genie" from just outside the 40m arc to open up the
scoring for the visitors and helping Hamilton take a 2 point lead heading into the 2nd quarter. Guelph came out strong in
the second frame, hitting hard and running numbers. Their speed and new found energy looked to find the Wildcats on their
heels as the 'Cats tried to match their intensity for the entire quarter. The Gargoyles found their offensive touch as
well, kicking 3 goals in the quarter and taking a 7 point lead into the half. Newly selected '07 Captain, Jeff Fish pumped
up his mates during the break with some heartfelt words, hoping to inject some life back into Hamilton as they took to the
field in the second half. His words definetly inspired as the 'Cats took control of the third quarter, kicking 3 unanswered
goals from Justin settle, Jeff Fish and Daniel Crouch respectively to pull the Wildcats even after 60 minutes. In past
years the Wildcats have had a hard time holding onto a lead, and this was a trend that Hamilton was lokking to buck in
2007. The 'Cats newly formed back line of Justin Johns, Charles Thompson, rookie Luke Main and Vice Captain Greg "Plugger"
Young stood strong all day long, and their play during the 4th quarter definetly helped to preserve the lead for Hamilton
as Guelph made a strong push for the win late in the game. With only seconds remaining, rookie forward Mark "Charlie Hustle"
Laidman lived up to his nickname, working hard in the forward line for a loose ball, and kicking what turned out to be the
winning goal for the 'Cats on the day. As the final horn sounded, Hamilton ran out winners 9.9.63
to 8.9.57 to start the season (1-0) for the first time in 9 years. The Wildcats will now go on to
face the (0-1) Central Blues next weekend Saturday, May 12th starting @4pm at Humber College North in Toronto. C'arn the
Wildcats!
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