News — footy

Burgmann Fields, IL- A match for the ages was carried out on Friday night as the Wrigleyville Rhinos and the Lincoln Park Piranhas battled it out to see who would earn the right to meet the Lincoln Square Tigers in the CAFA Grand Final. On a Waveland Field which was as dry and hard as an African savannah, the Rhinos looked completely at home while the Piranhas flailed about like fish out of water. Many observers believed that a Drake, Wolfe and Scherless Rhino outfit would be no match for the might of Lincoln Park – but somebody forgot to tell Wrigleyville that!

Both teams arrived at the field with 13 players. Wrigleyville were without United players Drake and Wolfe while Lincoln Park were missing Gambaro and Kastilahn. Both teams were boosted with the inclusions of Tiger’s stars Brennan (Wrigleyville) and Uhlmann (Piranhas). It was predicted that the Rhinos would need to win by approximately 7 goals to displace the Piranhas from the Grand Final.

While both teams made plenty of noise as they took their positions on the field it was obvious from the initial whistle that there was one team that had really come to play. Wrigleyville dominated possession for the first five minutes as Lincoln Park looked flat and were continuously second to the ball. Forte looked dangerous from the outset as he attacked the ball from Center Half Forward. During this time poor kicking left the Rhinos without reward as they scored numerous behinds without a major. Then with their first foray forward, the Piranhas were able to score an easy goal, a goal which should have broken the spirits of the Wrigleyville players. In what was to become the trend throughout the game though, Wrigleyville kept coming at the Piranhas and scored the remaining 3 goals of the quarter. The first quarter ended with a strong final few minutes for Lincoln Park but like the Rhinos earlier, the goals were hard to find. Didak provided a run for the highlight reel bouncing the ball through the middle of the field only to hammer the ball into the goal post from 40 yards out.

Observations from this period of play were that Wrigleyville were dominating the center of the field despite Stacey controlling the ruck contests. Ward was proving to be in fine form up forward for Lincoln Park but was being starved of opportunities.

Quarter time scores. Wr 3.5-23 LP 1.4-10

Suddenly the game was heated up with an upset on the cards. The Piranhas returned to the field for the second quarter with a new fire in their eyes. Despite this it was once again Wrigleyville who jumped out of the blocks. After last week’s magical disappearing goal from ‘Jezza’ Morgan, he was able to score again this week with his best Ralph Macchio Karate Kid kick from the goal square as he was surrounded by three Piranha defenders. The onslaught continued as Tim, Toby, Rocky and Crackers ran riot through the center of the ground and linked up with ease with Forte up forward.

With the prospect of a Grand Final berth slipping away for Lincoln Park they threw their trump card, Ward, into the middle and McGlashan up forward to try and wrestle some control back. The move worked with Ward getting plenty of the ball and McGlashan kicking two goals for the quarter. Still it was not enough for the Piranhas to win the quarter and they went into the long break 18 points in arrears. If this pattern continued it would be Wrigleyville moving on to the season’s biggest game.

Half time scores. Wr 6.6-42 LP 3.6-24

The third quarter was a free flowing ordeal with both teams moving the ball relatively easily through the middle of the field. Didak was proving he was not just a clever forward by moving back onto Forte and providing a great contest for the crowd. Hayes found his legs and provided great movement through to his forwards while the Wrigleyville onballers continued their high work rate. The Piranhas though were relying too much on fast breaks out of defense while the ball was still spending the majority of time in the Rhino half of the ground. The quarter finished without either team able to grab the upper hand and leaving the match set up for a cracker of a last quarter.

Three quarter time scores. Wr 9.7-61 LP 6.7-43

Both captains tried to provide their team with inspirational speeches and both teams were confident that they could win the final quarter. The last 15 minutes were completely one sided though as the Wrigleyville Rhinos did not allow the ball out of their half and if not for some very poor kicking could have put the Grand Final berth beyond doubt. Forte, while dominating his position, had a wasteful game in front of goal kicking 6 behinds for the match. The Piranhas were left scoreless for the quarter while Wrigleyville kicked two goals, six behinds. Once again it was the Wrigleyville midfield who led their team while Ward was left exhausted for his efforts for the Piranhas.

Final scores. Wr 11.13-79 LP 6.7-43

There were tense moments after the game as both teams waited for web guru, Oscar, to calculate the final percentages and see who had earned the right to face off with the Tigers. A roar finally arose from the Rhino faithful as it was announced that they had overcome all odds and trumped the Piranhas by 1.8 percent, a difference of 4 points over the season. The Piranhas were devestated but acknowledged that their performance did not deserve a position in the Grand Final.

Wrigleyville can thank outstanding performances from their midfield players who continued to win the ball in the center despite Stacey winning the ruck contests. Rocky Deehan’s efforts to rove off the ruck contest was particularly impressive and set the standard for his team. Forte, who is tipped to be named as coach of Wrigleyville for the final, was dominant at center half forward and made some great moves in matching up on the Piranha stars. For Lincoln Park it was a case of not being able to provide opportunities for their forwards. Drake had named Ehlers as a major worry for the Rhinos but the ball simply did not get to him and it must have been a very frustrating night for the big fella.

This leaves a Lincoln Square versus Wrigleyville Grand Final to be held on Saturday, September 19 at 4:30pm at the usual spot. Both teams have a particular dislike for each other and will be desperate for a win. The match will be largely decided by who is able to get their top players available for a Saturday afternoon game. It will be a classic and one that all of Chicago will be fighting to get tickets for.

Burgmann Fields, IL- Ryan Hayse has led the Lincoln Park Piranhas to a crushing victory in a bruising game at Burgmann Fields almost ensuring a berth in the Metro grand final in a months time. Hayse was unstoppable on the wing for the Piranhas and it was his pace and long kicking that set up many a Piranha thrust and sealed a well deserved victory over the gallant Rhinos friday night.

In a battle that see sawed for three and a half quarters, the Piranhas were able to kick away in the end, running out 21 point victors in a game dominated by the wet weather.

From the Mustard and Fitz led ball up, the game was a hard slog with both teams finding it hard to get a grip on the wet ball and use it properly until the dangerous Roofy broke out of a pack and snapped truly to put the Pirnahas up. The Kaiser in Timmy Herrman, one of the many young guns that will make up the future of Chicago football was instumental in many Rhino forward moves and he was awarded a free kick after a Piranha (probably Al or Betty) took a shining to the Kaisers headband and tried to remove it, along with the rest of his head. His kick from 30 out directly in front sailed through to put the Rhinos up at the break, 1.3:9 to 1.1: 7

The second quarter was a tough affair as the ball became heavier and slippier and players struggled to handle the conditions. The big match ups between BJ and Wolfe in the ruck, Roofy and Disco and Drake and MacGlashan were enthralling as the arm wrestle continued all quarter. The Piranhas looked the better as Hayse and Palmer produced plenty of run with Deri Morgan being particularly effective at the stoppages. For the Rhinos, their backline again held the key to their victory as Scher, Forte, Dorsett, Panek and new recruit Corey held on for dear life against plenty of Piranha attacks. At the half, she was all square with both teams at 1.5: 11 a piece.

Tired bodies huddled up and both Hayse and Drake, fully aware of the games importance urged their charges on to bigger and better things in the premiership quarter. It was the Piranhas that came out firing though. First Nolan McKeegan kicked truly and then when Dougie Fresh slotted through his first, the Rhino faithful started shifting uncomfortably in their chairs as it looked like a case of how far as the Piranha center men started to be very effective and the LP backline with DK, Simon, Cisco and the great wall of MacGlashan all combining to blanket Drake, Morgan and the Kid. A couple of telling overhead marks from Scher and some very gutsy work by both Corey and Disco kept the Piranhas at bay as momentum started to shift towards the end. More good work from Rooster Forte in the middle found a running Kaiser Herrmann whose long bomb found a running Drake. The ball was trapped and some deft moves to get around the hard charging Simon (thank christ they worked, he’s a big boy!!!) was rewarded with a goal. Seconds later, after Wolfe won the tap to Forte, his handball found Rocky whose long bomb found Drake for his second goal of the match and it became anyones game again. At the end of the third the Piranhas held onto the slimmest of leads 3. 8: 26 to 3. 5: 23.

It was a huge tussle in the last as both teams, dead tired and battered and bruised pushed for that goal that would win the game for them. Roofy was finally able to break the Panek stockade and goaled to send the Piranhas further up. The tiring Rhinos found it hard to move the ball as the Piranha big men in MacGlashan, Kastilahn and Gambaro took control setting up many a forward move. Hayses work was finally rewarded with a checkside goal that tore at the Rhinos heart but Dave Worniak was able to seal the victory seconds later when he was able to run into an open goal and potentially thrust his team into the metro grand final against the Tigers.

GOLDEN GOOSE
Not sure, it was either Betty Palmer for getting a dodgey free kick in front of goal and kicking into the man on the mark or Frenchie who kicked the ball 40 yds…. the wrong way.

GREEN JACKET
Nolan McKeegan

It was obvious the business side of the season was upon us as both the Lincoln Square Tigers and Lincoln Park Piranhas attacked the game ferociously at Burgmann Fields tonight. After a mighty final quarter comeback by the Piranhas, they were unable to overcome a large Tiger lead as the Tigers ran away with a 16 point victory.

The evening opened with concern from both camps as to whether they would have an umpire for the game. Thankfully Wolfy showed up and to his surprise, was handed the whistle to take control of 32 angry adult men. With no support in the goals or on the boundary, Wolfy did an excellent job, as did the players on most occasions allowing him to do what he needed to do.

For the first time this year the Piranhas were struggling for numbers and were the first team to be docked points from the scoreboard for not reaching the minimum 12 players. Among those missing from their lineup were Chicago United regulars Benjamin Gambaro and Dougy Malcom. The strength behind the Tiger improvement this year has been the willingness for guys to show up to every game and tonight was no exception. After losing big guns Graham Brennan, Vince Doorhy and Billy Uhlmann, the Tigers were still able to get 19 players to the field and this was a major factor in the victory.

The highlight of the game was the multiple battles occuring around the ground. Poncho and Roofy continued their epic battle with both players providing great service to their team. Pace took on the might of Drewby and Al in the goal square, EP and Stace clashed in the ruck and Frenchy did his best to annoy the hell out of Hazie all game. Lincoln Park was able to borrow Toby, Tim and Tyler from Wrigleyville which allowed for a 14 a side game.

The first quarter was an even affair as both teams fought for the early supremacy. Toby, playing his first game in a Chicago match, showed he has a big future in the Windy City and put the Piranhas up early. This was followed by a Didak major following a strong mark. Didak was continuing his exceptional form and was outstanding at winning the ball in the air and on the ground under immense pressure from his Tiger opponents. Betty Palmer was showing his worth with some courageous marks in defense for Lincoln Park to thwart the forward progress of Lincoln Square. The Tigers fought back with the winning combination for the night, Oscar and Fish, as they both kicked truly. This pair would combine regularly resulting in goals for Lincoln Square.

At quarter time Lincoln Park were 1 point leaders.

The next two quarters decided the game as Lincoln Square was able to constantly rotate players through the bench and over run the hard working Piranhas. EP demonstrated why he is so important to the Tigers displaying excellent foot skills to set up Oscar on multiple occasions for goals. Fitzy, in a best on ground display, also came to the fore during this period continuously thumping the ball forward after receiving creative handballs from the hard working Tiger onballers.

The Piranhas rallied late in the third quarter with some great physical work by team mates resulting in two quality goals from Toby. Tim and Betty were working feverishly in the middle of the ground to reverse the flow of the game away from the Tigers and the momentum appeared to have shifted. The Tigers went into the 3 quarter time break with a sizeable 27 point lead though and it would take an almighty comeback from the Piranhas to make the result go their way.

The final quarter was all Lincoln Park and for a moment it looked like they could pull off the unimaginable. Changes were made with Roofy being moved to the forward line, Didak into the center and big Al playing loose down back. Al was swallowing everything and after his usual five pirouettes and punishment of anybody silly enough to try and tackle him, he drove the Piranhas forward. Suddenly Lincoln Park had winners all over the field. Lincoln Square were not going to let a Grand Final berth slip away from them though and with some great strength, leadership and a steadying goal from Fitzy, the Tigers were able to do enough to make the game safe. Lincoln Park continued to attack until the final whistle but the lead was too much to overcome and after including the 3 point deduction for being one player short, they went down by 16 points.

Both teams could take major positives out of the game. Lincoln Square’s midfield were strong in the absence of their three premium onballers and Oscar Meyer played one of his best games in 2 years. Lincoln Park were missing numerous players and yet were able to put real pressure on a determined and confident side. Didak continued his excellent form which will also please the Piranha faithful.

The result of this game assures Lincoln Square a position in the Grand Final on Saturday, 19 September, and sets up two epic encounters between the Wrigleyville Rhinos and Lincoln Park Piranhas over the next two Friday nights. With both these two teams on equal points and nearly identical percentage, the coaches will be working the phones day and night trying to get their best teams on the park.

FINAL SCORES
L.S. 11.10: 76 def L.P. 10.3: 60 (minus 3 points, 1 player short)

Burgmann Fields, IL- In a devastating display of Australian Football, the Lincoln Square Tigers showed why they have firmed as favorites to take out this years Metro Competition after disposing of an undermanned yet gallant Rhino outfit on friday night and picking up a new Australian gun in the meantime.

Without their leader, the great Ponch-a-relli and the flying Peanut in Billy Uhlmann, the Tigers still showed too much class with an outstanding midfield led by Crabs Dhoory and Crackers Brennan, a suffocating defence and a forward line that while it didn’t fire on all cylinders, had every opportunity needed to kick a bag. The Tigers height worried the Rhinos all day with EP, Joey Trimberger, Mustard and Piranha import BJ Gambaro each hauling in about 1000 marks between them and dominating the ruck duels which is where they were able to really put the pressure on the Rhinos who were without most of their experienced combatants.

In a warning to the well heeled Piranhas, the Tigers started hot with EP all over the smaller (yes, and fatter) Drake in the ruck and winning everything and it was mere seconds before they scored their first through Crackers Brennan as he made his intentions known. Oscar banged home a cheeky one on the line and the Rhino heirachy was already sweating as they tried to stem the tide of Tiger onslaughts. Against the play, the Rhino backs steadied and Jezza Morgan was the recipient of a lovely pass from Dave Wright, a holidaying Aussie mate of Drakes who was also 200 lb lighter then last time the two old mates saw each other at the Nar Nar Goon pub, arm in arm singing ‘Khe Sahn’. Morgans goal lightened the mood a tad and when Nolan goaled for the visitors it was game on all of a sudden. Crabs Dhoory was able to snatch one later in the quarter and sent the favorites into the first break 3.3: 21 to 2.0: 12 up.

The second stanza was all Tigers though and if not for some poor kicking for goal (and numerous rushed behinds!!), the game could’ve been over at the long break. The Rhinos tried guys everywhere but with 5 first gamers, 6 first year players and one returning legend (Fenton), the ‘experienced’ core of Scher, OBK, McClamroch, Morgan and Drake couldn’t find any answers as the big boys ruled the skies and the inform midfielders in Crabs, Fish, Crackers, Rory, new gun Matt and Braddis ran riot. Hoyt finally broke clear of John Scher to bag his first which was followed by the dash of Joey Trimberger who showed a clean pair of heels to run into an open goal and kick the Tigers out to a handsome lead. The lead was cut by six late in the quarter after some handy work by the Rhinos enabled Jez Morgan to take a very good mark in the goal square, using his body ‘MacGlashan’ like to work his opponent under the ball and his shot from point blank brought up the Rhinos only score for the quarter. At the half, the Tigers led 5.10: 40 to 3.0: 18.

The Tigers didn’t let up and like a dirty poacher in Kenya, continued to stalk the Rhino. Drake went into the backline and Aussie Mike into the ruck to see whether he could have some effect on the EP/Joe stranglehold. While the Rhinos certainly improved by chipping the ball around and increasing their handball use to try and run the gauntlet of Tigers, they rarely enjoyed a functional forward line and despite constantly pushing numbers forward, it was hard to break the Mustard/Gambaro led backline and the counter attacks from the Tigers were lethal. First blood went to Crabs Dhoory as he continued his amazing form this season. Brennan cracked his second for the afternoon before Pirnaha recruit Dougie Fresh got his first, sending the Tigers further in front. A huge mark and goal by Dave Wright brought the crowd to its feet and brought the Rhinos back to within a distant longshots chance at an upset, assuming of course, that half the assembled Tigers came down with swine flu in the following 3 minutes. At the orange break, its was all black and yellow 8.13: 61 to 4.0: 24.

Not wanting to give in, the Rhinos continued to show heart, especially the backs as they constantly attacked the ball. The Rhinos coaching staff would be particularly happy with the monster games of Glenn Clarke, John Scher who shut down Brian Hoyt, Eli Rosen and from nowhere, Tyler Dorsett who’s absolute blinder on Oscar frustrated the sausage maker all day, holding him to just one goal. In the middle, Herrmann, Borchardt and Blundell looked like they are serious players of the future and through their hard work and a hard pressing Canadian, the Rhinos brough up their fifth when the big fella from Russell in Manitoba where men are men and moose are scared got hold of the leather orb and kicked truly, if not elegantly, a mongrel punt that sailed through the big ones.

With the Rhinos preferring to press guys forward, the Tiger forwards were licking lips as they had a spare man and all the ball they needed. Hoyt marked and goaled from about 30 dead in front and then Fish Dhoory put the game in the bag with his second of the afternoon to send the Tiger Army into raptures as they ran out comfortable winners by 48 points. A very happy Mustard DeJong sent this chilling warning to Big Al and his Piranhas post game…”Yes mate, handy win against a very ordinary team. Very happy with the likes of Crabs, Matty L in the guts and the two big boys in EP and Smokin’ Joe who really won this for us in a big way. Thought Frenchy was good and Seb Grisoni is just getting better and better. Can’t wait to take on the mercenaries that make up the F&^$ing Piranhas again as we will give them a right flogging, mark my words. MacGlashan, I am coming for you”! Strong words indeed from the great man who is back to almost his best with a classic down back. On the other hand, Jeremy Morgan had this to say “no fu*&ing comment now get stuffed….. ohh, but if anyone does read your pathetic little write up Mr Scribe, just remind them that Annes Pants will be playing this saturday at 3.30pm on the cnr of Erie and Michigan, acoustic obviously. We don’t have a permit so you’ll want to be on time as it could be a short gig depending entirely on Police presence”

LAKE NOKOMIS, MN- Billy Uhlmann, Gordon Ambrosino and the big man in Rohan Ward led a red hot Chicago United team into the deep freeze of Minnesota in a game that Chicago desperately needed to win to maintain their strangehold on the MAAFL title for 2009. The Freeze shook United to the core last season and an equally tough game was expected when the United team touched down in Minneapolis and made their way (erroneously) to the banks of the mighty Mississippi to take on the upstarts from the home of the Pillsbury Dough Boy (and you all thought Al was from Corio Bay didn’t ya’s?) and the humble Cheerio…. not to mention Target and of course both Judy Garland and Bob Dylan!!!

The breeze afforded a 2 or 3 goal advantage to the northern end and BJ Gambaro got things underway handsomely by winning the toss and kicking with the it. Ehlers, Ward and MacGlashan were the big boys United would be relying on up front while Gambaro, Bradley and Fitzgerald welcomed back Mustard DeJong to the impressively strong United backline along with Betty Palmer and Brian ‘the shirtless worm got me kicked out’ Hoyt. United brought 25 boys up but Oscar Meyer was a late withdrawal that worried the coaching staff as his goal kicking ability (and pace) would be sorely missed.

United were out of the blocks first and constantly attacked Becker and the Freeze backline as they searched for the first. Minnesota hung on gallantly and continued to thwart the United forwards who were certainly not starved of opportunity but the delivery to them was not up to their liking. Deehan, Bashford and big Stace were hot in the middle and the wingers in Uhlmann and Hayse provided plenty of spark and it wasn’t long until Ward started to put his 4 fingered stamp on the game by taking a grab about 60 out and banging long to where MacGlashan was able to get his impressively big posterior into perfect position to keep his opponent out of a contest in the square and took a nice grab. Not wanting to risk a set shot dead in front and possible ridicule, big Al played on with the speed of a hypnotised gazelle tricked into thinking itself a tortoise and banged home United’s first of the quarter. United continued to attack but bad kicking for goal and desperate defence by the Freeze kept them out and at the first break, Minnesota had the upper hand despite not troubling the scoreboard attendant going in 1.5: 11 to 0.0: 0 down but about to kick with a handy breeze.

The United coaching staff looked at the positives including all them having all the play and then moved MacGlashan to a spare man in defence hoping he could dominate the air and stem the onslaught that was sure to come. United asked their middlemen in Rocky Deehan, Deri Morgan, Paul Drake and Stacey Elmore to step up to the plate and pressure the Freeze runners and win the ball out of the center as this has been an area of concern but for once they answered in kind, even after the loss of legend Rod Bashford to a knee strain early in the game. Elmore, giving away 6 inches and about 100 lbs was particularly impressive as he repeatedly won tap outs giving his runners all the ball they needed. With Al down back, the United forward line opened up and it was new dad Roofy Ward that took full advantage taking several telling marks before the recently parolled Anthony Sacco, fresh from his starring role in the Melbourne Underground hit “Underbelly” was able to go Daicos and soccered a ripper through to bring up Uniteds second which was all the more important as it showed scoring into the wind was not impossible.

The Freeze were able to bring their first up as they started to settle down and play some good footy but it was all Chicago from there on in. The run from the backs, especially Mustard, Poncho, Hoyt and Fitzgerald was fantastic and they singlehandedly turned the game as the Freeze struggled to control all the spare men around the ground this set up. Drew Ehlers was able to continue his Phoenix like return to the pinnacle of Australian Football in the Midwest with a nice grab and goal into the wind. Billy Uhlmann had the ball on a string and when he exploded out of the midfield and hit big Roofy on the left tit, it was all Roofy had to do to go back and slot through his first of the afternoon. A season defining quarter of football came to an end as a completely shellshocked Minnesota trudged from the field and big Becks looked around for answers. United had the tail up and Drake went straight for the Freeze jugular moving MacGlashan to center half forward and Roofy to full forward with strict, simple, Ditka type instruction to his charges “get the fu*&ing thing and kick the fu*&ing thing as long as you fu*&ing can and let the big bastards do their thing”. At the half, United by 23 points 4.5: 29 to 1.0: 6

Rocky Deehan continued his impressive metamorphis from Rugby god to Australin Football legend as the Xavier prodigy produced a shirt front that Brian Urlacher himself would’ve been happy with before going back after the Sherrin and coming up with the free kick, inspiring his teammates and scaring a few at the same time. The flying Almond in Billy Uhlmann opened up the United floodgates after a clever mark was met with a clip behind the ears that netted him 50m and a certain goal. Deri Morgan was also on fire in the middle as Stace continued his good work and the United backs became mere spectators. Dougie Fresh came on to have an instant impact and I could go on forever but the backing up, numbers to the ball, sharing the ball etc etc was a wonderful thing to behold as the United threatened to blow the game apart. Roofy took a grab on the run after Drake marked at center half back and his Burgmann like bomb sailed through from 60 yards out. Dave Worniak, with his stunning wife on the sidelines guarding his stash of 48 cold Miller Lites got amongst the action with a smart goal from about 20 yards out. Roofy then decided he’d go ahead and kick his fourth for the afternoon as Oscars fingers started to show fatigue as he tweetered for his life, keeping the huge Chicago fan base back in the Windy city up to date. When it looked like it had all been done, Ambrosino decided to chase down and smother a seemingly free Freeze defender in what was possibly play of the game but alas, that may have even been improved on when Brian Hoyt took off from the backline with a smart pass to hayse. Hayse held the ball and handballed inboard to a runaway freight train that turned out to be Hoyt following his kick up (it took 5 years of coaching and yelling but by god, we got there!!!) and he kicked, Jimmy Jess like into the forwards. At the orange break, a very happy United team led 9.11: 65 to Minn 1.0: 6

MacGlashan went into the ruck to replace an injured Stace whose next to best on ground heroics was the impetus for the win and the strong showing from the United midfielders. Kastilahn was welcomed back into United colors as he took his place in the middle and in the famous red, white and black for the first time in a long time. His impact was immediate as MacGlashan won the tap, DK took hold, dodged one and found Drake with a handball that put the coach into space and he went bang with a ball that found that man again, Rohan Ward who marked strongly. He calmly went back and went BANG for Chicagos 10th as they continued to apply the pressure. Ambrosino set the crowd alight again after chasing down a lost Freeze defender and in a damning tackle, laid him out and received his just rewards with a holding the ball decision. His kick into the big boys saw the ball bounce to Stace who soccered off the ground bringing up his first meaning Chicago now had 10 separate goal kickers.

The Freeze, to their credit, never gave up in the face of wave after wave of United attacks and their perseverance mixed with some poor manning up led Minnesota to get a couple of late ones to put some respectability on the board as the final siren blew mercifully in the afternoon breeze, echoing a magnificent Chicago win in which all players had a hand in. After a magnificent team effort, Chicago eventually ran out winners by 56 points. Next up is a possible match up with UsFooty ranked number 1 team the Eagles of Baltimore.

GREEN JACKET:
Billy Uhlmann

GOLDEN GOOSE:
Paul Drake (leaving Billy… BOG… at the airport before the game and then trying to blame his missus)

BEST BAR IN MIDWEST:
Brits! I reckon we go up when the Sox play the Twins next just to go to Brits and get some decent fish n chips!

Burgmann Fields, IL- In the best attended game of the season (as far as participating teams go) the Lincoln Park Piranhas won a thriller that came down to a kick after the siren. In a game that both teams were desperate to win to keep in touch with ladder leaders, Wrigleyville, the Piranhas were able to produce an 18 strong team and the Tigers arrived with 17as very few available players were not in attendance. Unfortunately we were well short of umpires with VP, Disco Panek, the only fit Wrigleyville player at the ground (well done Wolfy). In trying conditions and with no support from his team mates Disco did an admirable job as each team did their best to gain any advantage.

In a pleasing sight for all, Pablo Isadore hobbled down to the ground in his impressive ‘boot’ to cheer on his team and to keep a very accurate and detailed score for the game(?). From all reports Lincoln Park’s other wounded soldier, Bluey Carroll, is also on the way to recovery and it will be a great day for United when he is well enough to return to Burgmann Fields in any capacity.

My apologies for the vagueness of this report as I am going on memory and it’s not one of my strong points.
The Lincoln Square Tigers were buoyed by the fact they had the majority of their squad available and while still missing big (literally)guns, EP and Joe, they were ferocious in the 1st quarter and jumped out to a large lead. The Tiger forwards, led by John ‘Fish’ Doorhy, were dominant and appeared to be able to score at will with every forey in their vicinity. Many scoring opportunities resulted in behinds though which would return to haunt the Tigers with the final whistle.

The quarter will be remembered for the Tiger’s superior fitness allowing them to run free around the ground. It was that or more likely the fact that Lincoln Park were playing one short on the ground. Art who was having his best season yet for the Square was a big loss for the Tiger defense when he went down with a leg injury mid quarter.

The 2nd quarter was a complete reversal of the first as Lincoln Park ran rampant all over the field. Finally the Piranhas returned to full capacity on the field and the fresh legs were telling. The three biggest players on the field were everywhere. Tristan and Roofy controlled the midfield and the rare ball which bypassed them was snappled up by the almighty mits of Al MacGlashan. Roofy was continuing his dominant season and showed his versatility by playing ruck rover throughout the game. The Tigers were shell shocked by the new found ferocity displayed by Lincoln Park and could not get possession of the football. Adding to the pain of the Tigers was the leaving of Fish due to a prior engagement. After the topsy turvy first half, Lincoln Park went into the main break a couple of goals in front and full of confidence.

The second half of the game continued as the first left off with Lincoln Park well and truly on top. The Tiger defense was working hard to prevent goals before Didak jumped high to take a big mark in the goal square to put the Piranhas further in front before the match began to turn into a stalemate. The Tigers were desperate to change the flow of the game while the Piranhas appeared to have their measure and refused to give an inch. Epic battles were happening at both ends of the ground with Phil Cisco working hard to contain a creative Oscar and a clash of the titans up the other end with Pace taking on Drewby. Luckily no player was silly enough to stand in front of these two as they charged out on the lead. Hazie and Billy were playing strong games for their respective sides as they both tried to give their team the edge with their run and creative play.

The last 5 minutes of the third quarter finally returned the flow of the game back towards the Tigers. Crabs and Crackers, who were both having great games, found some support from team mates and the ball camped in the Tiger’s forward line. Fitzy pushed up from half back and peppered the goals but alas, as with the 1st quarter, no goals were resulting. Good defense by the Piranhas meant that most shots on goal were either from some distance out or under great pressure. Piranhas went into the last quarter about 2-3 goals in front.

The game was set for an epic final term and neither team disappointed. In a game that was highly skilled throughout, the ball moved quickly from end to end without much scoring. Oscar put the Tigers within reach of victory with a classic banana kick from the boundary line and the irrepressive heat was turned up even further. With their tails now up the Tigers took the lead in the game (don’t ask me how but we must have had it somehow) and appeared to be looking at an unlikely win. Step up Nolan McKeegan for the Piranhas and amongst a sea of black and gold he was able to read the ball to perfection from the boundary throw in deep in the forward pocket and snap truly to restore a four point lead for his team.

The intensity of the game was going to continue to the final siren as nobody at the ground was going to halt their intensity. Fitzy was inspiring to his team as he constantly won the ball while outnumbered across half back for the Tigers. Louie(?) was constantly finding space across half back for Lincoln Park as he frustrated the Tigers attempts to score the winning goal. As the call came out that there was only 45 seconds remaining the game appeared over as Lincoln Park ran the ball through the center of the ground and looked to put the final nail in the coffin. Somehow the ball was turned over (can’t remember how) and the Tigers had one final opportunity. The ball was switched to Crackers who moved the ball quickly into the Tiger forward pocket where it was disputed before a quick snap sent the ball flying across goal. Everybody was waiting for the cry of time as Billy ran back towards the pocket, the ball floating directly over his head, to take a great one hander. The final whistle blew, hearts were in mouths for both teams as Billy drifted the difficult kick from an angle across the goal for a behind.

So came to an end another tight Metro encounter. The game has left Lincoln Square needing to win its last two games of the year to assure itself a spot in this year’s Grand Final while Lincoln Park will return next week to take on Wrigleyville with both teams fighting for top position on the ladder.

Lincoln Square will need to supply umpires for the game and players as early indications are that teams will be lacking numbers for this weeks game.

GOALS
Please help Mustard (and Pablo’s) memory!!! who kicked the other two for LS?
LINCOLN SQUARE: Oscar 3, Fish 2 (Fish 3? Braddis?)
LINCOLN PARK: Hayes, Drewbie 2, Deri, Nolan 1 (What about Sacco’s leap and goal?)