Gamblers Win Western Regionals 9 a-side

The Las Vegas Gamblers played in their first tournament entering a 9a-side team at the Western Regionals in San Pedro, California. The tournament provided many firsts for the squad since its formation this year: first tourney, first game for five of the players, first road trip, and the debut of the Gambler’s jumpers. All were a complete success as the Gamblers ended the weekend with two wins and a 9a-side title. 

Game 1 on Friday was against the San Diego Lions. For the first half of the game everyone seemed unsure of what to do in the game. Compile that with the wind and the team was already down several goals by the half. The Gamblers picked it up in the second half and the wind helped the ball to carry giving good field position the whole half. In the end though, the Gamblers could not overcome the first half deficit and fell to the Lions 48 to 38. It was a great performance for the team’s first outing. 

Game 2 featured the Gamblers versus a combined Orange County/Denver team. We felt an urgency to win this game to make the finals. This was a hard fought match. In the first game, the team was trying to kick every ball off the ground rather than pick it up. This game, we were diving for balls and playing physical. Being physical in the ruck helped us to own the middle of the field which kept many OC/Denver kicks from happening and constantly put pressure on their defense. Vegas cruised to a 46 to 22 victory. 

Day 1 was officially over and we paid the toll for the game 2 win. One twisted ankle, one quad contusion, much dehydration and several sunburns later, the team was ready to limp in to dinner. If there were no battle wounds though, this game would not be near as much fun to play. So the Gamblers headed out to celebrate and eat some seafood as no coastal trip can happen without eating seafood. Unfortunately for Marty by the time he got there nothing was left but an old dried up burger (next time I'll make sure to buy Marty some fish so he doesn’t kick so many behinds for me the next day). 

Day 2 was an even bigger day for Las Vegas for several reasons. Three of our boys got to play in Arizona’s game against Orange County providing good experience of an 18a-side game. Then the Gamblers marched on to the finals.

Game 3 was a rematch of Las Vegas versus San Diego. This game was a huge test for our team since we had already played and lost to this team. It would tell whether we wanted it more and whether we adjust to the mistakes of the first game. Their full forward had created all kinds of match up problems in the first game because he was about 80 feet tall and 600 pounds. We just didn’t have anyone who could move him. So this game we stacked the ruck more to insure we would win the middle and immediately move the ball forward. More was demanded of all the players and they did not disappoint. San Diego only had one behind in the first half.

In one play, Tubs went up and hacked loose a ball that seemed a sure mark by their big fellow. In another Jeremy put a tackle on Scuba and the guy he hand balled to jarring it loose where another Gambler recovered the ball. In yet another Cameron dove and slid to catch a mark and kick a goal. Substituting liberally helped keep us fresh and running hard this game. In the end, the performance was stellar and the Gamblers won decisively 45 to 20.

The Gambler’s best for the weekend goes to Marty Curry who’s vision and ability to shed tackles almost always insured the ball was going to end up on the front line. For once, it was not his scoring ability that won him the accolade. His energy and fire on the field pushed the other guys to play harder.

This weekend we learned that our team plays hard, adjusts well and have the components to be a competitive team. The Gamblers are now five and one for the year.

For more information about the team, visit www.vegasfooty.com.

- Jeremiah Cain
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