Kangaroos defeat Atlanta Kookaburras by 22 goals in Season Opener

The Nashville Kangaroos played their first game of the season against the Atlanta Kookaburras at Ted Rhodes Multipurpose Sports Field on June 28, 2014.

Early in a highly successful 2012 season, the Nashville Kangaroos defeated the Atlanta Kookaburras twice on the way to winning the Down Under Fest Football Allstars (DUFFA) Cup in Cumming, Georgia. In 2013, the Kangaroos defeated Atlanta both at home and away. Although neither team was at full strength, the Kangaroos were strong favorites at home.

Kicking with the breeze in the first quarter, the Kookaburras kicked two goals to keep the Kangaroos in sight. The Kangaroos tightened up their defense in the second quarter, and expanded their lead from 3 goals to 10 goals by half time.

In the second half, it came down to the questions of how many goals Nashville would score and whether full back David Harris could get on the board after switching to full forward for the fourth quarter. Coach David Walker was assisted by runner Logan Monday to keep the Nashville team fresh and playing strong by frequent exchanges off the bench.

While the Nashville Kangaroos now enjoy a 22-6 record against the Kookaburras, the Kookaburras will be more competitive on their home ground on August 23.

Scores by quarter: 
1st - Nashville Kangaroos 5.6 (36), Atlanta Kookaburras 2.0 (12)
2nd - Nashville Kangaroos 10.12 (72), Atlanta Kookaburras 2.1 (13)
3rd - Nashville Kangaroos 17.16 (118), Atlanta Kookaburras 2.2 (14)
4th - Nashville Kangaroos 21.22 (148), Atlanta Kookaburras 2.3 (15)

Goals:
Nathan Caldwell 4, Ross Flemming 3, Jake Ridings 3, Kane Harrison 3, Jeff Persson 2, Evan Ling 2, David Wilson, Tim Fulwider, Cliff Cosnahan, David Harris,

Field umpire: Grant White

Goal umpires: Alex Benjamin, Toby Persson.