Wildcats Play Tough at Home, but Not Enough to Catch Guelph

A week after their incredibly solid performance versus the Central Blues in Toronto, the (4-6) Hamilton Wildcats headed home to face the (6-4) Guelph Gargoyles at Mohawk Sports Park and looked to continue their winning ways. This marked Hamilton’s final home game for the 2006 season, and despite a few key injuries, the ‘Cats looked to play spoilers as the visitors were hoping to continue their playoff push in Steeltown. As the Wildcats infirmary overflowed with casualties and their bench looked a little thin, the footy gods shone down on the ‘Cats as their prayers were answered with the arrival of a few new faces to compliment several “blasts from the past” as well. The Wildcats seemed nervous as the game got underway, falling behind as Guelph kicked 2 quick goals to open the first quarter. The new additions of Trent Kelly and forward flanker Tim Moller made immediate impacts with their speed and courage for the footy as the first quarter came to a close. Fortunately for Guelph, time expired in the 1st, as the hometown boys began to claw their way back from behind. As the second quarter began and the visitors holding onto a slim 3 goal lead, the Wildcats momentum helped them to battle back and close the gap to only 3 points within the first few minutes of the second frame. Both teams were looking strong, and neither club seemed willing to leave in defeat on a day which marked Hamilton’s first Sunday evening game in club history as well as veteran Wildcat Chris Tyrrell’s 50th OAFL match. As the teams see-sawed back and forth on the scoreboard, the first half finished with Guelph still commanding a small 8 point hold on the hometown ‘Cats. Hamilton looked to take control of the second half of the game, and hopefully come away with their 5th victory on the season. Guelph obviously had different plans, as they used their speed and versatility to find open space and exploit the lesser experienced players in Hamilton’s banged-up backline. Despite several sterling performances from many of the Wildcats all over the ground, they were unable to keep up with the pace of the visiting club from Guelph. Hamilton eventually fell to the Gargoyles on the day, 11.11.77 to 7.8.50.