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Round
1
Roos Hop All Over the New Look Wildcats At HumberThis past weekend at Humber College North in Toronto, the Hamilton Wildcats opened their 2006 OAFL season vs. the Etobicoke Kangaroos. With many new additions to this year’s version of the ‘Cats roster, there was much optimism heading into our first game of the new season. Etobicoke, definitely a team never to be taken lightly, would make for a tough opening opponent but the visitors from Hamilton looked to leave Humber College with a victory none the less. Both clubs had reserves to burn, deciding prior to the game to play 18 aside, 2 more than the usual 16 required in the OAFL. The hot summer sun burned brightly and as the heat began to rise, so did the tempers between these perennial rivals right from the opening bounce. The home side started off running on all cylinders, and the hard hitting defense of the Wildcats looked to contain the Roos speed across the centre line. As the first quarter came to a close, only 1 point separated the two clubs, with the Roos holding on to a slight lead. Despite the close contest through 20 minutes, the ‘Cats unfortunately lost their ‘06 Captain Nick DiRago to a serious ankle injury within the first few minutes of the opening quarter; but looked to continue their solid play with one of their inspirational leaders now on the sideline for the rest of the game. The Steeltown boys came out strong to start the second frame, with a quick goal from Aussie recruit Joel “Don’t Call Me Vince” Carter and several solid tackles in the middle of the ground from first year Wildcats, Rob “Goldberg” McElwain and Barry “the Scarecrow” Crow. Hamilton looked to catch the Roos napping with several positional changes in the 2nd, moving full forward Charles Thompson to fullback; while defensive specialist Eben Schaeffer took a run in the forward line along with Alex Thompson, Mark “the Cable Guy” Krikke and tenacious rookie Jon Coatsworth. The Wildcats kept the score close as the first half ended, trailing the extremely fit Kangaroos by less than 3 goals heading into the final 40minutes of the game. As the first 5 minutes of the 3rd quarter had expired, several umpiring miscues, 2 yellow cards and 1 red card later; the wind seemed to have been taken out of the visitors’ sails as the ‘Cats played 2 men down for more than half of the premiership quarter. Hamilton had a hard time recovering, as the hosts built a commanding lead while the ‘Cats were shorthanded. In true Steeltown style, the Hamilton boys never gave up until the final whistle, with goals from Aussie import Shane "Snowman" Davies, Wildcats Life Member Steve “Kojak” Bennett fresh off a 5 year footy hiatus and forward Charles Thompson. Despite the late offensive attack and solid team play in the second half, the Wildcats were unable to close the margin, as the Roos ran out winners on the day 10.10.70 to 4.7.31. HAMILTON GOALS: Shane Davies (1), Steve Bennett (1), Charles Thompson (1), Joel Carter (1) HAMILTON B.O.G: Rich Burgess, Joel Carter, Brett Hill, Ken Tumak, Sasha Kocanovic, Jeff Fish. A special thanks goes out to Sarah Verdurmen, who did an excellent job in her first game as our new club trainer, and despite the loss, kudos also go out to 2006 Head Coach Dave Ralph. “Geritol” definitely has the “fire” we’ve been looking for in a Head Coach, and he’ll be patrolling the sidelines this weekend in Hamilton, looking to avenge the Round #1 defeat. Hamilton will look to even their record at (1-1) this weekend as they head home to face the Toronto Eagles at Mohawk Sports Park on Sunday, June 4th @ 11am. All players are expected to be at the ground NO LATER than 10am on Sunday morning. C’arn the Wildcats!
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