Game summary
Baltimore/Washington Eagles
May 5th, 2007


The North Carolina Tigers footy year has officially begun with the pre season clash against the Eagles. Baltimore Washington Eagles traveled down to Raleigh, North Carolina, Saturday May 5th for the friendly between the two clubs. It was the first full dress rehearsal for both teams with the upcoming season just around the corner. The Tigers trotted out 13 new players for the game, while the Eagles showed off their newly acquired players from multiple Division I teams. The weather looked threatening all day, but the rain held off providing for a spirited and highly skilled effort from both clubs.

The game got underway with each team fielding 18 players, as opposed to the traditional 16 versus 16. Thompson Road Park field was extended to accommodate the larger playing surface. Jason Heathcote, first year head coach of the NC Tigers commented “We wanted to play 18 a side to really allow our newer players good playing time whilst also allowing our veterans the time to get much needed fitness.” The 18 a side contest got off to a great start with the Eagles scoring quickly to take a lead that would remain close all game. Although the Eagles controlled the ball most of the first quarter, two goals from Will Harvey and Zach Tart put the Tigers in front going into the first break.

The second quarter gave the Tigers the wind, kicking to the Thompson Road end of the ground. Both teams settled into a routine and the Eagles used their run out of the mid field to generate a couple of goals. Great play from newer players Ross Pleban and Rob Sayre-McCord helped keep the game close. Heathcote was tallying numerous marks with many of them coming from the boot of key on baller Wes McCallister. A late goal gave the Eagles the advantage at half time; they lead 4.7.31 to the Tigers 3.6.24.

In the third quarter, the Tigers made some key changes with Michael Coysh switching to CHB and Ben Wetzel moved up forward. Both teams scored nearly the same total which was reflected in the hard fought style of play and equaling amount of disposals. The Tigers definitely lifted their intensity and started to deliver the ball into their forward line with much more direction and purpose. At half time Heathcote called for all players to play with greater heart and desire. The Tigers showed this towards the end of the quarter with a late charge leading to a goal which brought NC to within one goal of the Eagles going into the last quarter.

With the Eagles only up by a goal and the Tigers coming home with the breeze, the fourth quarter promised to be a hard fought encounter. It did not disappoint. First gamer Ian King was on the receiving end of a quick handball and he snapped truly to open the account for NC. The Eagles kicked two quick goals in the forth which may have sealed the game if not for the tenacity of the young NC players. The fresh legs of the Tigers led to another goal by playing coach Heathcote, quickly followed by co-captains Wes McCallister and Michael Coysh both kicking goals. The Eagles were equal to the task however, kicking another and then being effective retaining possession of the ball to let the time expire. Eagles won by a mere 2 points in a game which both coaching staffs must be satisfied with.

The NC Tigers Board and the coaching staff were all happy with the game’s result. The 13 new players all saw game time and the skill level from all players was impressive. Every game this season will be a challenge to the young Tigers but from their effort today it also promises to be an exciting one.

Final Score: Eagles 9.14.68 defeat Tigers 9.12.66

Tiger Goals: Jason Heathcote 2, Wes McCallister 2, Michael Coysh 1, Ian King 1, Will Harvey 1, Zach Tart 1, Jordan Lee 1

Tiger Best: Rob Sayre-McCord, Wes McCallister, Michael Coysh, Jason Heathcote, Ross Pleban, Will Harvey, Zach Tart.