The Revolution came up short in their bid for third place going down to the New Zealand Hawks 12.4 (76) to 6.5 (41). it was a short turn around for the Revos after their hard hitting game against Papua New Guinea just 2 days earlier. Looking to match their best ever finish at the International Cup the boys came out strong and confident in their game plan. Unfortunately the Hawks had done their homework and were prepared for what the Revos had in store.
Brent Mergen, Jon Loring, Luke Nemeth and Pat Miller stood strong in the backline. Steve Fashant and Mel Chen put in a tough day's work in the middle, while Bryan Dragus found his form again, kicking another 4 goals.
The Freedom have claimed third place in the inaugural women's International Cup after defeating Papua New Guinea Flame 4.3 (27) to 1.2 (8). In a re-match of second round clash the Freedom experience again proved to be too much for the young Flame side. The Freedom midfield controlled the game with gutsy performances by Eileen Geoghegan, Becky Kraft, Helen Spink and Jen Cravens. Leading goal kicker Lindsey Kastanek added 2 more to her team leading total.
Both the Revolution and Freedom will be playing for a 3rdplace finish to the International Cup after coming up short in their semi-final matches today. The Revolution v Papua New Guinea Mosquitoes match generated an energetic buzz at Royal Park. The Premier of Victoria Mr. Ted Baillieu was on hand for the coin toss, AFL CEO, Andrew Demetriou was seen around the Revolution quarter time huddle and International Cup Ambassador, Brett Kirk gave the three quarter time speech.
In a remarkable and memorable day in USAFL and Revolution history the impressive Revos dominated the South African Lions 7.14 (56) to 2.6 (18) and continued their run towards a shot at their first International Cup title. With a special visit from US Ambassador, Jeffrey Bleich in the locker rooms before the game, the Revolution came out pumped up.
The Revolution vs. South Africa Lions game has been selected by the AFL to be the curtain raiser for Sunday’s Sydney Swans vs. St. Kilda Saints at ANZ Stadium. Coach Matt Bishop summed up the experience, “The game against South Africa is a fantastic opportunity for the squad to play a game with such high stakes at a state of the art venue, one that most Australians will never get.” An additional highlight on the day will be a visit by US Ambassador to Australia, Jeffrey Bleich who will address the team prior to the game and perform the coin toss.
The Freedom continued their winning ways with a convincing win over the Papua New Guinea Flame on Thursday night at Blacktown by a score of 6.5 (41) to 1.0 (6). Under the bright lights the Flame had trouble finding their way against the more experienced Freedom side. With the win the Freedom are 2-0 and second on the ladder trailing only Ireland by percentage.
