Fresh off a hard-fought victory on the road against the High Park Demons, the Ottawa Swans men's side returned home to face the undefeated Toronto Dingos.
Under clear skies, the Dingos fought to make an impression early, kicking with the stiff breeze that is the hallmark of the Rideau Carleton Raceway. However, the Swans midfield and backline, including Ronan Shaughnessy, back from a two-week injury, withstood the strong pressure. In the end, the Swans conceded only 2 goals in the opening frame. At the other end of the field, however, the Dingos backline was just as strong, repelling every Swans inside-50.
Under orders to step it up, the Swans attacking unit regained some form in the second quarter. Centre half-forward Mike Kozlowski and full-forward Joel Dawes both solved their opponents, taking strong contested marks in the forward line and capitalizing. Not to be outdone, the opposition Dingos added another three majors to their tally, but not without earning them.
As in the previous week, the third quarter saw the Swans really come alive. Echoing last week, a quick goal right from the opening bounce put the opposition on the back foot. Midfielders Jake Plunkett-Latimer, Nathan Strom and Brendan Woods effectively delivered the footy into the capable hands of Kozlowski, Dawes and David Martin, while Zac Plunkett-Latimer delivered a series of crushing tackles to any Dingo brave enough to attempt to run the footy past the centre. A pair of goals from midfielders Cameron Dodge and Bogdan Rotaru saw the Swans draw to within three points of the visitors, setting the scene for a fourth quarter battle for the second week in a row.
The final stanza saw a seesaw battle across the midfield, both sides battling hard for the potential winning goal. The Dingos attacked relentlessly while the Swans backline, anchored by Jay Goldhawk at fullback, pushed back, attempting to clear the footy into the midfield. Aside from a long run down the wing resulting in a highlight-reel, Lewis Jetta-esque goal from Rotaru, the Swans were unfortunately unable to solve the Dingo backline. At the final horn, the Dingos emerged victorious by 14 points.
With coaches Rod Frank and Ash Vance away, Swans club president and former head coach Chris MacLean made his return behind the bench. Pleased with the level of effort on display from his team despite the result, MacLean commented: "This group of players showed what commitment and hard work can accomplish. They pushed the Dingos to their limit and with a stretch of home games coming up should have all visiting teams fearful of making the trip."
This game also marked two important occasions for the club, celebrating 50 games played for Nic Desson, and marking the final game in the Red and White for club stalwart David “Wheels” Martin. Well done Nic, and we'll miss you Wheels!
The Swans now enter the bye, and will take to the field at the Rideau Carleton Raceway on June 29th to face the Guelph Gargoyles in the annual Canada Day Cup.
Ottawa Swans 8.6 (54) def. by Toronto Dingos 10.8 (68).
Best: N. Strom, R. Shaughnessy, B. Rotaru, J. Goldhawk, J. Plunkett-Latimer
Last Modified on 11/06/2014 23:43