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Round
2
Eagles Fly High in Hamilton Versus the Wildcats
This past weekend at Mohawk Sports Park, the Hamilton Wildcats took to the field in their club’s 200th game. Compiling a franchise record of 71 wins and 128 losses over 16 seasons, the hometown boys were looking to improve their record versus the Toronto Eagles. After a tough loss versus the Etobicoke Kangaroos a week earlier, the hometown ‘Cats were looking to turn things around in Round #2. With both clubs having full sides, the respective coaches decided to play 18 aside (second straight week for the Wildcats), to help give as many players a run as possible on Hamilton’s large ground. Hamilton took to the field running, with several pin-point taps won from ruckman Jeff Fish to open the first quarter and a handful of hard ball gets from rovers Joel Carter, Ken “Tubes” Tumak and centre Rob “Yellowcard” McElwain. Hamilton’s tenacity paid off as the Wildcats took a small lead into the second quarter with goals from Julian “the Tin Man” Thornbury and Joel “Don’t Call Me Vince” Carter. The Wildcats found themselves in a similar position versus the Roos in Round #1; playing an extremely talented team, with several experienced players and only holding on to a slim lead after the first 20 min. The ‘Cats looked to continue the first quarter “one percenters” that boosted them ahead of Toronto, and pick-up a win in the clubs’ bicentennial game. As the clubs opened the second quarter, Hamilton was dealt the injury card, as veteran forward Todd Jones (ankle) and defender Alex Thompson (knee) were forced to ride the pine for the remainder of the first half. These injuries seemed to suck the life out of the “Steeltown” backline, as the Eagles piled on the points to pull even with the ‘Cats as the half-time whistle blew. This offensive attack from the Eagles carried over into the second half, as the Hamilton boys seemed to lose focus against a more experienced Toronto side. Unfortunately for the Wildcats, Todd Jones and centre halfback Eben Schaeffer would be lost to the club for the entire second half of the game; but in true Hamilton fashion injured defender Alex Thompson returned for a run in the forward line (even picked up a goal) as the ‘Cats bench was severely depleted and in desperate need of some motivation. Despite a late offensive burst in the final 10 minutes of the fourth quarter, and heaps of bone rattling hits from Aaron Locke and forward Tim Norris, the Wildcats were unable to close the margin, falling to the high flying Eagles 15.20.110 to 7.7.49. HAMILTON GOALS: Julian Thornbury (2), Mike Nolan (2), Ken Tumak (1), Alex Thompson (1), Joel Carter (1) HAMILTON B.O.G: Joel Carter, Aaron Locke, Ken Tumak, Mike Nolan, Jeff Fish. The (0-2) Wildcats will play host to the (2-0) Mississauga Demons at Mohawk Sports Park, Sunday, June 11th @ 11am; and look to stop the visitors winning streak dead in their tracks by starting one of their own. All players are expected to be at the ground NO LATER than 10am on Sunday morning. C’arn the Wildcats! |