Denver Tournament Report

Denver Season Opener Bigger than Texas

By Paul Renouf

April 15, 2002

The Denver Bulldogs opened their season with three straight victories to win the 2002 Dallas Magpies Invitational Tournament.

The Doggies went into the tournament seemingly more determined to do whatever it would take to win. The other tournament participants were the New York Magpies, the Kansas City Power and the hosting Dallas Magpies.

Denvers first game against New York, last years Division 2 National Champions, started out a fairly evenly matched affair. New York opened strong and put the first goal on the board after their big men had taken to the air for a few fine grabs. New York were up by six points about a third of the way into the first 20-minute half. Denver then took over and dominated the remainder of the game. The Bulldogs piled on goals, and did not let New York score again.

Score: Denver 10.2.(62) Vs New York 1.0.(6)

Goals: C. Ellis (4), Dainauski (2), T.Ellis, Karver, McNiece, Treyvaud

Denver took on Kansas City after a severe-weather break in the action, which almost postponed the game. In dark, wet conditions with a greasy ball, the Dogs continued to deliver more effectively and find runners. Kansas City, a good team getting better every year made desperate football contests, but they never really threatened the Bulldogs. Coach Richards making an unprecedented change by putting Charley Ellis up forward in this game. The goalkicking tally conveys the ingenuity of that move.

Score: Denver 11.5.(71) Vs Kansas City 1.0.(6)

Goals: C. Ellis (5), Dainauski(2), Candelaria, Treyvaud, Newitt, Tuckfield

On Sunday, Denver faced the perilous locals in the tournament decider. Dallas, a well balanced team took on the Dogs with a strong midfield and tough ball getters. The Dallas hard game looked the goods and the Pies were up by more than two goals well into the first half. The Dogs then turned on and the Pies couldnt keep up. Bulldogs were continually putting numbers at the ball and had runners for the give whenever they got possession. Dallas good, but the Dogs continued to contest and attack and ran out the deserved victors.

Score: Denver 9.3.(57) Vs Dallas 4.1.(25)

Goals:, Dainauski (2), Newitt (2), Treyvaud (2), C.Ellis, McNiece, Tuckfield

Very hard to pick standout players. The Denver squad was a cohesive bunch that executed their game with unselfishness and unity. Coach Richards remarks: outstanding performances from everyone.

Great memories for the Bulldogs at this tourney. They took home a total of four trophies, including the Tournament Winners, the Tournament Best & Fairest Award (Dave Newy Newitt), the Golden Boot Award for most goals (Charley Ellis with his bag of 10), and the Yobbo Award (Glenn Racetrack Rolfe). Many thanks to the Dallas Magpies for providing a well organized and fun tournament weekend.

Other unforgettable moments included Marc Karvers beautiful AFLesque snap for goal, Charles Richards inspirational coaching debut, Uncle Dave Kennedys wrong-way jaunt, and the initiation of four new club members, Rob Burr, Dave Newitt, Ian Sutherland and Aaron Tuckfield. On the unsettling side, Marc Wood Karver suffered a shoulder dislocation. He is wished the best success in recovering.

The Denver Bulldogs welcome all levels of participation to the club. We need both American and Australian players of any skill level, we need administrators of the club, and those who just want to watch footy. The club is holding several social events this year and want you to join us! Find out more about our club by visiting www.denverbulldogs.com

Beware of the Dog

- Paul Renouf
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