Nashville Kangaroos win the Wayne Schwass Cup
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There is something special about the Chicago-Nashville rivalry. The two teams have been the strongest in the MAAFL over the long term, and many times they have played the championship-deciding game. They have played each other every year since the early days of both clubs, splitting the honors fairly evenly. There have been close games and strong personalities. If all that was not enough, in 2012 they added the Wayne Schwass Cup.
The first quarter began with both teams exhibiting strong defense. The Kangaroos were able to control the ball over most of the field, with “Sugar” Kane Harrison strong in the center and Clint Milner leading the defense. The Swans worked hard to prevent them from finishing. After a couple of Nashville behinds, it was Chicago that was first with a major score. Finally, Jeff “Peeps” Persson, who had already gathered several effective possessions, delivered accurately to Damian “Damo” Serong for Nashville’s first goal. Serong’s goal seemed to open the pipeline for Nashville, or perhaps Chicago’s defense began to tire from their hard start. A quick center clearance produced a goal by Ross “Rosco” Flemming within another minute of play, then a string of passes and marks from end to end provided a goal by Jake Ridings. The quarter ended with a long kick by Harrison marked by Serong in the goal square, and Serong kicking his second goal from the mark. The Kangaroos had a three goal lead, 4.2 (26) to the Swans’ 1.3 (9).
The Swans fought on against the wind in the third quarter, attacking early but without success. The Kangaroos responded, Chris “Dex” Neilson kicking a textbook pass from the half forward flank to Serong’s lead straight down the middle. From directly in front, Serong made no mistake. Serong soon followed that goal with another from a free kick. Despite a couple of powerful shepherds from Todd “Tonka” Haralson, Chicago gained possession in the next passage of play and showed they also could goal into the breeze. Damo hit the post with his next shot, but he kicked his fifth with his next opportunity from a Ben Vaatstra pass. The Swans would not surrender, kicking another goal before half time to keep them in the game 3.6 (24) to Nashville’s 7.3 (45). With nine scoring shots to the Kangaroos’ ten, the Swans ensured that Nashville would not be comfortable with their lead at half time.
Chicago’s hopes of a second half comeback immediately took a big hit. Harrison gained a center clearance from the ball up and delivered to Neilson, who booted a booming goal 45 yards against the lakeside gusts. Although the next goal belonged to the Swans, that was after a great end-to-end passage of play that produced two behinds, including one from intercepting the kick out. Nashville continued to dominate play, with plentiful opportunities spoiled by three consecutive behinds. Nashville’s second goal of the half came from Persson, gathering the crumbs to earn his reward. The Swans were still working hard and providing spirited resistance, kicking another goal to reduce the lead to four goals, but the third quarter ended with a Tim Creed goal, leaving Chicago trailing 5.7 (37) to 10.7 (67).
With a five goal deficit, kicking against the wind and sixty minutes of running in their legs, the Swans didn’t have much in the tank for the fourth quarter. It is to their credit that they limited the Kangaroos to only three goals in the third quarter. Despite play being in Nashville’s scoring half for almost the entire quarter, the Swans allowed few easy shots. Nonetheless, with Vaatstra and Milner each kicking straight, and Serong making his sixth goal, the game ended with the sort of result Nashville Kangaroos fans predicted with their usual optimism.
Buoyed by a 11-1 record, two tournament trophies, the Wayne Schwass Cup and a MAAFL flag, it is not surprising that Nashville Kangaroos fans are already talking about their hopes for the USAFL Nationals in two months. However, players and coaches are not looking past the tournament in Austin, Texas on September 15. The Austin Crows are sure to be strong at home and intend to avenge their unexpected 2011 loss to Nashville at Elmington Park. The Dallas Magpies will also be looking forward to a shot at the Kangaroos. The Magpies have some impressive wins in their 7-1 season record, were Division 2 National Champions in 2011 and are certainly a Division 1 prospect this year.
Scores by quarter:
1st - Chicago 1.3 (9), Nashville 4.2 (26)
2nd - Chicago 3.6 (24), Nashville 7.3 (45)
3rd - Chicago 5.7 (37), Nashville 10.7 (67)
4th - Chicago 5.8 (38), Nashville 13.15 (93)
Goals:
Nashville: Damian Serong 6, Ben Vaatstra, Chris Neilson, Clint Milner, Jake Ridings, Jeff Persson, Ross Flemming, Tim Creed.
Chicago:
Best:
Nashville: Ben Vaatstra, Clint Milner, Damian Serong, Jake Ridings, Jeff Persson, Kane Harrison, Luke Nemeth, Preston Jezek.
Chicago: (unavailable)
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