ROUND #1 GAME REPORT: Hamilton Wildcats v Toronto Rebels (@ Margaret Greene Park, Guelph, ON.)
HAMILTON WILDCATS 17.16.118 def. TORONTO REBELS 5.3.33
This past weekend at Margaret Greene Park in Guelph, the Hamilton Wildcats (NR) & the Toronto Rebels (NR) took to the ground to open the 2011 OAFL (Ontario Australian Football League) Season. Due to permit issues with the City of Toronto, this game was hosted by the Guelph Gargoyles at their home ground. Since this was technically a "road" game for both the Wildcats and the Rebels, both Clubs were looking to win over the Guelph crowd as neither team would have many of their own suporters in tow. Hamilton was coming into the game with a 2 game winning streak over the Toronto Rebels, winning the season series in 2010 and hoping to extend their winning streak versus their TO based rival to 3; not to mention starting the '11 season on a high note.
From the opening bounce, it was evident that all the hard yards the Wildcats have put in during the off-season, had totally paid off. Every aspect of the 'Cats attack seemed to be firing on all cylinders, despite the Rebels kicking the 1st goal of the game. Hamilton replied with a bang, as 6'5", 320lb rookie Full Forward Stephen "Banga" Dostal quickly showed why the goal square is where he truly belongs, snagging a great pass from Nick DiRago and pulling the "yellow & black" even with the Rebels. After breaking their doughnut on the scoreboard, the flood gates quickly opened for Hamilton, as veterans Justin Johns & Mark Krikke, rookie Brendan Major and foward flank Nick DiRago each added goals to put the Wildcats up by 4 goals as the 1st quarter came to close.
After a brief scare to start the 2nd quarter, as the Rebels opened with 2 quick goals, Hamilton Coach Matt lowry made a few quick changes on field, and the 'Cats regained their composure. Blessed with a full compliment of players for Round 1, Hamilton used their reserves very astutely, giving all 24 dressed a chance to play in a couple different positions through out the course of the game. It was great to see many of the Club's rookies have a crack, and really take what they've learned over the winter at trainings, and apply it so well during actual game action. First year players Justin Hyde, Gary "MCG" Hessmer, Alex Pawliwec & Stephen "Banga" Dostal definitely did not seem out of place one bit, and look to be incredible additions to the Club for the 2011 season and onwards.
As the final siren sounded, Hamilton ran out winners on the day 17.16.118 to 5.3.33 over the Toronto Rebels, and 3rd year player Kris McKillop earned "Hardhat" (Hardest Working Player) honours for his incredible efforts in the guts, while 3rd year Aussie Michael "Vissa" Visser took home the BOG (Best on Ground) for his performance in both ends of the oval and for keeping the Rebels big scorers at bay in Round #1. Congrats guys.
HAMILTON GOALS: J. Johns (3), S. Dostal (2), M. Visser (2), N. DiRago (2), B. Major (2), C. Thompson (1), B. Aiken (1), M. Krikke (1), E. DeBruin (1), P. Lawson (1), L. Lombardini (1)
HAMILTON BEST: M. Visser (BOG), K. McKillop (Hardhat Award), M. Krikke, J. Settle, B. Aiken, J. Johns
*for full GAME STATS, please click link: https://websites.mygameday.app/round_info.cgi?a=MATCH&fixture=122931029&c=1-7394-110437-142013-14207859&pool=1
NEXT GAME: Saturday, May 14th/11 v Etobicoke Kangaroos, 9:30AM START @ Margaret Greene Park, Guelph, ON.
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C'arn the WILDCATS!!!
Last Modified on 14/10/2011 02:46