Gamblers Play First Metro League Game

^{Playing in 102 degree heat!}

The Las Vegas Gamblers played their first metro league game this past Saturday with the white team defeating the red team 12.13.85 to 5.13.43. The teams suited up and played six on six on a shortened footy field. This was the first game of footy for eight of the twelve players and was a great landmark for the growth of the Las Vegas team. The game even drew the attention of several local kids who wanted to find out about the game and kick the ball. 

The match was played over five periods to account for the blistering 105 degree heat. We could have boiled an egg on our forehead but the boys roughed the heat with their tongues hanging to their knees. The white squad featured more athleticism than the red squad but less experience. With the shortened field, winning the ruck was the key to winning the ball game. The white squad dominated the middle of the field and simply put to much pressure on the red squad’s defense who had trouble clearing the ball for any length of time.

Inaccuracy hurt both teams with many easy kicks resulting in a combined 26 behinds. However, skills can be taught and both teams displayed several intangibles that will be helpful towards the Gamblers 2006 title run. Several players showed good hands catching difficult kicks, toughness, the desire to run, and the ability to play well together.

The game’s Best goes to Chad Larson who kicked four goals and two behinds. Even more valuable was his knack for being in the right place on the field for most plays. Special thanks to Sara and Alicia for keeping score and taking pictures during the event.

^{Cameron Anderson}

- Jeremiah Cain
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