Jackaroos Triumph at Cincinnati
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Fairfield, OH - In the sweltering Cincinnati heat, up against MAAFL foes, and with a chip on their shoulders - the blokes from Columbus traveled strong and came down with something to prove. The first match pitted them against the Milwaukee Bombers who had traveled light, and were further hurt when a player needed medical attention after a bee sting alergic reaction. Reserves and newcomers from Ohio Valley and Columbus admirably plugged the gaps to give them a spirited fighting squad on the pitch.
Columbus' core, now fourth year veterans, along with promising first-year players played with experience and confidence under Coach Fisher's leadership. Jumping, and marking, to early leads they were strong out of the gates.
Versus the Bombers, the midfield let few threats through their ranks, and when they did, Columbus' vets were there to thwart all but two behind scores. Their forwards left only 6 behinds on the board, while amassing 10 goals: 4 to "Toey" Ward, 2 to Coach "Patches" Fisher, and 1 a piece for Wilson, Welday, Politz and Krause. Final: 10.6(66) over Milwaukee 0.2(2).
Playing back to back vs. an all-star Ohio Valley cast (from St. Louis, Cincinnati and Louisville), the Jackaroos would have no time to celebrate, turning their focus to redemption after last year's down to the wire 67-62 loss at Cincinnati. They would again pounce from the first whistle opening up 14-2 after the first intermission.
The second quarter was relatively even as Columbus missed chances, netting only 3 behinds for an uncomfortable 17-2 halftime advantage. While the visitors dominated the third the Jacks goal-kicking inaccuracies again left them vulnerable into the final period as they were unable to put the game "away." Ohio Valley smelled blood, the tiring legs, and a scoreboard gap well within reach to make a strong push late in the fourth quarter. Breaking into the defensive third with more ease, they finished only a couple of their chances, as Columbus would hold on courageously by a final score of 4.7(31) to 2.5(17).
Ohio Valley would pull out a win in the tournament's third-match, but had to fight and claw the whole while over a proud Bomber squad that was gritty, tough and resilient. All players shook hands, amidst "hip-hips" for their opponents, Umpires Scott Strenski and Scoota Matheson, and fans alike. At Cinci's sponsor pub Christy's, they would recall past games, compare their battle scars (Blues' Peter taking the best/most-notable facial mark) and further strengthen their bonds of friendship. Thanks to our hosts Cincinnati for putting on another good event - at the pitch and the bar. Cheers mates.
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