3rd Place in Sight for Revolution and Freedom
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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 the end, the skill and speed of the Papua New Guinea side was too much for the Revolution who suffered their only loss of the Cup 9.14 (68) to 3.3 (21). The Mozzies got off to a quick start kicking their first goal in the opening minute and never looked back. The Revo players battled courageously throughout and can be very proud of their effort. Papua New Guinea showed why they are the defending International Cup champions with their impressive run and carry style of play. They will look to defend their title against the Ireland Warriors on Saturday at the Melbourne Cricket Ground as the curtain raiser to the Hawthorn Hawks v Western Bulldogs game. The Revolution will take on the New Zealand Hawks who lost to the Irish in their semi final match, 5.16 (46) to 2.1 (13).
The Freedom also lost a hard fought battle, to the top of the ladder women’s side, the Ireland Banshees by a score of 5.5 (35) to 2.4 (16). The strong breeze turned out to be the deciding factor in this match. With the wind the Freedom led by 9 at quarter time and were tied half time. The third quarter was hotly contested battle with both teams laying it on the line for a chance at a trip to the Grand Final. Jen Cravens goal half way through gave the Freedom a one goal lead, but it wasn’t enough as the Banshees used the wind at their backs to their full advantage, kicking 4 goals in the final term.
In a re-match of last week’s game at Blacktown, the Freedom will take on the Papua New Guinea Flame for third place on Friday. The Freedom won the first match 6.5 (41) to 1.0 (6).
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