BLAST FROM THE PAST - #6

Kansas City Intersquad Match 

THUNDER STIRS HORNETS

On Saturday, June 20 1997, the Kansas City Power sponsored a fine match between its two intramural teams, the Hornets and the Thunder. The day promised to be hot, but thin cloud cover and a strong breeze alleviated the heat. The same can't be said of the players' intensity, however, as the match went hammer and tongs from the first bounce. A small but appreciative audience added their own energy to the proceedings.

Jason Eustice and Mark Scott, captains of the Hornets and the Thunder, guessed at the ump's fingers to choose ends (someone bring a coin next time, dudes) and Scott proved the luckier. The Thunder began the first turn with the wind in its favor.

Each team featured a virgin or two, but the mix proved fairly even. Jason and Mark, the experienced Aussies, played their respective full forwards, leaving the newer players to earn their spurs in the messy center. Some good rucking and handball passes ensued. Both teams got the ball out smartly to their forwards, and the first quarter ended in a near dead heat, with the Thunder leading 2-3-15 to the Hornets 2-2-14.

The second turn began with the teams adjusting positions, using the match to test players for future Power assignments. Again the play burned along, with some solid tackles proving that generosity applies to beer, not footy. Mark Scott and Bruce Lundgren combined to put the Thunder one goal up as the quarter horn sounded. Thunder 5-6-36, Hornets 4-5-29.

Half-time found each side with fresh players, and the third turn began with new legs outrunning tired ones. Kelly Klusman impressed the field with long, accurate goal kicks and raw speed. The new recruits gave the Hornets more sting, and the third quarter ended with the lead changing hands in favor of the Hornets, 8-8-56 to the Thunder's 7-7-49.

After mixing some of the players between teams for training purposes, the sides took the field for the final turn. The newer players learned that fitness has its privileges, as the Thunder displayed. Nick Rocco showed no sign of flagging as he booted in some of the final goals. The Hornets soldiered on, but the tank ran dry. The Thunder soon caught up and then pulled away. At the final blast the score stood at Thunder 12-8-80, Hornets 9-10-64.

The match met the goals the Power coaches had set: new players blooded, skills practiced under pressure, and teamwork emphasized. The players performed with heart, skill, and enthusiasm. Hold that thought. St. Louis is coming on August 1. Let's show them that the Power is on.

MATCH REVIEW
BEST PLAYERS OVERALL:
Alex Rocco, Nick Rocco, Troy, James, Bruce Lundegren.

GOAL KICKERS:
Thunder: Mark Scott 6, Nick Rocco 3, Bruce Lundegren 2, Chris Segale 1
Hornets: Jason Eustice 5, Kelly Klusman 3, Andy Pickard 1

GOAL KICKING LADDER:
Mark Scott -  17 
Bruno - 14
Jason Eustice -  8
Bruce Lundegren - 8
Alex Rocco - 8
Stephen White - 5
Kelly Klusman - 3
Nick Rocco - 3
Bruce Sokol - 2
Andy Pickard - 1
Clarke - 1
Chris Segale - 1
Steve Roth - 1
Rob - 1
Matt - 1
Roger Woods - 1

- Andy Pickard
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