EVENT: EAFL 2006 Regular Season Round 2
DATE: June 3rd, 2006.
LOCATION: Thompson Road Park, Garner NC
RESULT: North Carolina Tigers 18.14.(122) defeated Philadelphia 7.10.(52)

SUMMARY:

The North Carolina Tigers continued their undefeated season on Saturday with a convincing win over the Philadelphia Hawks at the Tigers home ground at the Thompson Park “Tigerdome” in Garner. Set up by a solid first quarter, the Tigers continued methodical team pressure all day to overwhelm the Hawks. Not to be outdone, the Hawks battled it out to the end, and gave a spirited performance against the taller and faster Tigers.

Philly won the toss and elected to go with the wind in the first quarter. With umpire Seth McElvaney in charge of proceedings on the field, the Tigers took control of the centre very quickly and soon goaled to set up the early lead. Spurred on by an inspirational backwards kick from Tigers half-forward Wes McCallister, the Tigers had built up a three goal lead to the then scoreless Hawks. The remainder of the quarter was even as Philly re-adjusted and made use of their opportunities on the forward line.

Quarter time: Tigers 5.0.(30), Hawks 2.1(13).

The second quarter opened with the Tigers exerting scoreboard pressure from all directions, led by young Tigers Centreman Alex Fincham and inspirational pack work by Tigers Captain Shawn Doorhy and Matt Gordan. With the Tigers having control of the ruck through Michael Coysh and Heathcote directing traffic on the forward line, the Tigers fired off an amazing 12 scoring shots in the 20 minute quarter kicking 5.7 and holding the Hawks to 1.2. The Tigers were proving to be unstoppable with Tigers forwards Rob Sayre-McCord and Carlo Robustelli making the most of every opportunity.

Half Time: Tigers 10.7.(67), Hawks 3.3.(21)

By this time the crowd at Thompson Park had grown with many people seeing their first ever “Footy” game, and reveling in watching the home team carry out some truly inspirational plays. For the visitors, not to be outdone, the Hawks re-set themselves for the third quarter with veteran Mickey Campbell moving forward and with Loring exerting more effect on the game, and more aggressive play for Kavanagh, the Hawks surged forward for an early goal. Unable to convert on the forward line and with some kicking off-line, opportunities were missed as the Tigers backline increased their workrate to repel the options the Hawks were trying. Solid marks from Tigers Full Back Rob Beyersdorf and clearances from Schriebman, Hess and Hayutin enabled the play to be sent upfield where the Tigers added another 4 goals for the quarter.

Three-Quarter Time: Tigers 14.11.(95), Hawks 5.7.(37)

The final quarter continued the pattern of the day, with the Hawks battling to find solutions to the many dimensions of the Tigers attack, and with Tigers ruckman Brian Zimorowicz goaling and taking control in the air, the rest of the game was battled out as the Hawks never gave up. Tigers newcomers Brian Armada, James Freedman, and hard running Alex Fincham continued to dominate, as well as a freakish goal to veteran Justin Davis confirmed the Tigers status as the winners this time around. Philly should walk away from the game with their heads held high, as they gave a spirited performance and with some players returning from injury still have much to look forward too.

FINAL: Tigers 18.14(122). Hawks 7.10.(52)

Perhaps for the Tigers, the other winner of the day was the large number of spectators who came to the game, setting an attendance record and enjoying an entertaining afternoon in the North Carolina sun. Tigers President Wes McCallister commented that for the inaugural Tigers Homecoming game, the outcome could not have been better. After the game, Tigers Coach Adam Coleman thanked Philly for their never-give-up effort, and added the Tigers also learnt a lot from the Hawks play. “Our running players gave their all today as we needed them to fire and provide the impetus for our forwards. We were impressed to see so many of the younger players playing a major role around the ground. There is still a lot to learn, but today was another solid team effort, with everyone contributing, and that’s what footy is all about” added Coleman.

Tigers Best: A great team effort led by Doorhy, Coysh and Schriebman.

GOALS:
Tigers: Sayre-McCord (4), Heathcote (4), Robustelli (3), McCallister (2), Zimorowicz, Davis, Harvey, Armada, Fincham.
Hawks: Kavanagh (2), Campbell, Lowe, Miller, Slye, Van Heerde

Injuries: Plumley (NC) – Shoulder. All Ok.