Wildcats Exercise the Demons in Hamilton

The Hamilton Wildcats definitely have a flare for the dramatic, as they looked to pull out all the stops versus the Mississauga Demons this weekend in Hamilton, for their first win of the 2006 season. As the Hamilton Wildcats infirmary overflowed with yellow and black jumpers, the ‘Cats took to the field with only 18 blokes available for Round 3 and many of their willing players less than 100% healthy on the day. The first quarter seemed to be a carbon copy of Hamilton’s start last weekend versus the Eagles, with new-look ruckman Mike Nolan winning 99% of the taps, Ken “Tubes” Tumak and Brett Hill running in packs to move the footy up field all quarter long. Joel “Silk Boxers” Carter picked up where he left off in Round 2, running flat out like a lizard drinking and making the Demons defense across the middle of the ground look silly, with several ankle-braking spins and strong marks. Despite the quick start, Mississauga made it interesting as they closed the gap, trailing by only 1 point heading into the second quarter. As the Wildcats gained the wind in the second, they seemed to gain the momentum back in their favour as well, kicking 3 quick goals. Hamilton winger Brett Hill had a solid first half, powering through a handful of courageous contests and sending pin-point passes to the forward line that would make Australian soccer legends Harry Kewell and Mark Viduka cry with pride. As the wind began to pick-up, so did Hamilton’s offensive attack; finishing the second quarter with an inspiring 6.4.40 outburst. Heading into the third, the Wildcats made a few defensive changes in hopes of holding on to the lead and picking up their first win of the young season. Mississauga seemed to have a different plan, as they used the wind to strike right back at the hometown boys, again pulling within 1 point after 60minutes 11.7.73 to 11.6.72. Despite giving up an early goal in the final frame the ‘Cats stood strong in their backline with great punches from behind, powerful clearing kicks from Steve “Kojak” Bennett, centre half back Jeff Fish and Rich “I Drink Milk Right From the Cows Utter” Burgess; which led to an incredible 50 meter “leg brake” goal from veteran Reuben Sculthorp. As the time slowly ticked away in the 4th quarter, great leads up front from Shane “Devil in The Red Dress” Davies and Hugo Speksnyder, as well as goals from Julian “Juice” Thornbury and Mike Nolan helped to solidify a Hamilton victory, 14.9.93 to 12.7.79.