The first matchup of the night featured the Grey Galahs against the Green Goannas. It was a fairly low scoring affair with both teams getting the feel for the ball and their new teammates. Rich Mann opened the scoring for the Galahs about half way through the contest and followed shortly with another. The Goannas finally got something going late in the match and were kept from being shut out on a late goal by Willi Taylor.
Galahs (2) def Goannas (1)
Next up were the Red Kangaroos vs the Blue Heelers. The Roos quickly showed that they are going to be one of the contenders this season with wily veteran Brucey "Banana" Durrell seemingly all over the field dishing out feeds to the strong forward line. Kim T, Janice, and Elliot all got on the board for the Roos.
Kangaroos (3) def Heelers (0)
Third matchup pitted the Galahs against the Heelers. Having just played and feeling their legs under them, the Blue Heelers were hoping to build some momentum but the Galahs were having none of it. They ran all over the Heelers with the seasoned corp of Lady Bulldogs leading the way. Melanie Genz, Halli Adrian (2) and Jen Cravens all goals off of a great transition and middle game lead by backman Tim Wilson-Humphries and Rich Mann. Rich decided the girls shouldn't have all the fun and added a fair kick for goal in the waning seconds and once again the Heelers were left holding a goose egg on the board.
Galahs (5) def Heelers (0)
The fourth tilt of the night featured the strong looking Roos take the field against a somewhat disorganized Green Goannas team. Although the Goannas were strong out of the center winning the taps, it didn't help that those taps were the result of Roos goals. Veteran Anna Thexton struck early with a pair of goals, and new pickup Emily looked fantastic taking some great marks in the forward line and punting it through the uprights for one. Kim Tibbetts added a helper as well to hand the Goannas their first shut out.
Kangaroos (4) def Goannas (0)
The second to last match featured what was looking to be the two dominant teams in the ladder; the Grey Galahs against the Red Kangaroos. The ball was back and forth for most of the first half of the game, no one able to put it through the uprights. Finally about midway through Rich Mann solved the stingy Roos defenders and put the Galahs up. It seemed that the rest of the forwards took note and Jen Cravens turned in a stellar performance with the next three goals to give this one to the Galahs running away.
Galahs (4) def Kangaroos (0)
The final tilt of the night was between the scoreless Blue Heelers and the not-much-better fairing Green Goannas. The weather was starting to turn ugly with sleet falling under the lights. The Goannas got a good jump out of the gates giving the Heelers the blues right away with captain Kelli Modica and Willi Taylor (2) scoring three quick goals. The Heelers decided they'd had enough of being shut out and captain Tom Ellis stepped up and put one through. Just as they were starting to mount a come-back late in the game, Blue was pinged for a foul, then assessed a 50 for arguing with the ump. At that point the penalized player lost all control and booted the ball into the stands. Since time was up at that point, the Goannas were awarded a goal (Alicia Cone) thus ending the first week of competition.
Goannas (4) def Heelers (1)
A special thanks to James Waddell and Ben Taylor for volunteering their umpiring skills for the season! Thanks everyone for showing up, this was a fantastic start to the season and fun was had by all. Want to get in on the action? Sign up on the site and show up next Thursday!