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Chicago Run Over St. Louis 0

On a wonderful Chicago day with the mercury in the mid 70’s, the Windy City lived up to it’s name with a cross ground breeze that made scoring difficult and concise ball movement tough. A very good looking crowd of 50 had turned up to see United in their home opener against their old foe, the blue boys of St Louis who had come to the shores of Lake Michigan many a time only to return to the Mississippi with the 4 points. Chicago went into the game favorites despite St Louis’s massive win over the Minessotta Freeze and the butt kicking Nashville had given the United lads in Tennessee and it was an angry Chicago team that took the field, looking for redemption for that loss.

From the outset Chicago looked the better team as they peppered the forward line but to no avail as the strong St Louis defence repeatedly kept them out. Brian Hoyt was busy at full forward but a combination of St Louis’s midfield pressure and the wind had the Chicago midfield spraying their kicks. It was left to winger Ryan Hayes to get the United boys going with a great goal on the run. This seemed to wake St Louis up and their midfielders, through Sarbacker and especially Brown started to get a lot more of the Sherrin but the Chicago backline led by first gamer (for United anyway) BJ Gambaro was too strong. Funky Miller was full of run and didn’t show any signs of the hammy that went kablammy a month ago and kept him out of the Nashville game and he was well supported by a determined Poncho Bradley who took several telling grabs to have the better of D 1 at the important CHB position. St Louis were finally rewarded for their constant pressure as Jaime Wilson ran on to a loose ball and kicked a lovely goal from 30 out on the run.

Chicago took Panek off and brought on big, bad Drew Ehlers to see if the prez could get something going up front and the move was instantly rewarded as he took a great mark in traffic and as if to stick it up his more fancied Australian forwards that couldn’t hit the side of a barn, went back and slotted through Chicago’s second to send them into quarter time a goal up, 2.2: 14 v 1.2: 8

The second quarter was similar to the first with both teams having trouble making inroads on the scoreboard as both defences took control of the game. Coultas was all over Hoyt and MacGlashan was being well held by Jagger and at the other end Drake, Bradley, BJ, Fresh and Miller were to big for the smaller Blue forwards and were able to shut out the Blues for the whole quarter. From the backline, Chicago went to the top side with Burgmann on the wing to see whether they could snag that ellusive goal and they found it through Jezza Morgan who, with the impending nuptials mere days away, is in some of his best form since returning from his stint with Labrador in Australia. Brian Hoyt, after having a mark disallowed on the goal line by a smiling Justin Biggs (who did a fantastic job it must be said), finally got a step on Coultas and goaled to send Chicago’s female hearts racing and send the lads into the long break a disappointing 4.10: 34 to St louis 1.2: 8.

Sarbacker had to roll the dice to get a win and he did just that. The Chicago midfield, led by Dave ‘Dangerous’ Allen and first gamer Graham ‘Crackers’ Brennan was starting to look dangerous but Brown had had plenty of the ball and St Louis had not been rewarded with goals for the excellent work in the middle so Sars put himself to center half forward and moved D1 into the middle and went to work. His first goal came a minute into the third quarter as his pace and skill shone through. His second came after a huge grab on the goal line and put the lads from Missouri a mere two kicks down. The Blues continued to attack as their forward line got a new lease of life. One bad miss that could have been telling was converted into a Chicago forward thrust where big Al, very well held by Jagger until now was able to pick up a loose ball on the boundary and snap goal of the day to settle the activity that was happening on the Chicago bench. Betty Palmer was bought into the backline to supply the pace that was needed to stop Sarbacker and slowly but surely Chicago started to wrestle control of the game away from a tiring St Louis but extremely poor kicking for goal frustrated the home team as they went into the orange break 5.11: 41 to St Lou 3.5: 23.

Chicago coach, ‘Hector’ Drake took a leaf from Sarbacker and pulled himself out of full back and went to full forward to see if a backman could start kicking goals and the move worked instantly as he was able to haul in a lovely pass from ‘Oscar’ Meyer and kickstart the goal spree that was Chicago’s last quarter. The very next play Drake collected a loose ball and hit a full running Billy Uhlmann who slotted through his first and all of a sudden it was all Chicago. B.O.G Ryan Hayes got amongst it with a beautiful goal on the run from 50 out and when Burgmann popped one over a stranded Jaggers head for his coach to kick his second, it was all over for the Blues who continued to battle hard against the momentum which had completely swung Chicago’s way. Hayes added another and Drake pulled down a big grab in the square to kick his third for the quarter to send United further in front. Uhlmann, fed by a lovely handball in traffic by Dougie Fresh kicked his second and Oscar Meyer booted two lovely goals from 40 out to seal victory with a 9 goal last quarter that went aways to vanquish the ghosts that had haunted Chicago since their big loss in Nashville and had kept tongues wagging throughout the MAAFL.

St Louis were gallant in defeat. The undersized forward line was well held by the Chicago backs but the Blue midfielders led by Brown and Sarbacker were extremely busy and worked tirelessly all day. The backline, with big games by Coultas, Jagger and Schomaker were able to keep the highly fancied Chicago forwards at bay for three quarters until the pressure became overwhelming in the last quarter. They head back to Bud town disappointed but bouyed by their first 3 quarters against reigning MAAFL premier Chicago. Their next game will be an absolute classic at home against a supremely confident Nashville team on June 7 and the match up of Sarbacker on Vstecka will be worth the price of admission alone.

For Chicago, it was a dominant performance that was not reflected on the scoreboard until the last quarter and they will feel that they could have put this game away by half time. They allowed St Louis to fight their way back into it in the 3rd but Drake and his coaching staff will be happy with the way they absorbed the pressure after half time and were able to kick away with a marvellous last term. The form and health of Burgmann is a worry but big games out of Hayes and Meyer on the wings was terrific. First gamers Crackers Brennan and BJ Gambaro were outstanding and the backline of Chicago was impenetrable for much of the game with great games out of Poncho Bradley and Funky Miller. Dougie Fresh showed the selectors that he is a legitimate backman with a suffocating game in the pocket.

With Cincinnatti/ Louisville visiting next week, Chicago have plenty to think about. The forward line has fired in only 1 of it’s last 8 quarters of football but the efforts of Hoyt, Uhlmann and Ehlers were heartening. Jeremy Morgan has carved himself a niche up front after years spent taking on the oppositions best backmen but we’ve seen what marriage can do to a man (Drake, MacGlashan, Ward, Miller, Gambaro, Hayes, DeJong etc etc). The form of Roofy in the ruck was very pleasing though as he was one of Chicagos best with a dominant performance on Revo ruckman Dan Sergott.

BURGMANN MEDAL VOTES:
3- R. Ward 3- R. Hayes
2- BJ Gambaro 2- BJ Gambaro
1- R. Hayse 1- F. Bradley

United Taken Down by Nashville 0

Coming off the 2007 championship the United face a dissapointing start in their 2008 efforts with a loss on the road to their rival Nashville Kangaroos. The Roos came off the 1st bounce firing, kicking 7 goals to 1 United in the 1st term. The rest of the game was an attempt to catch up by the Chicago boys but were continuously beaten by a relentless Roo lineup that pretty much won everything off the ground and in the air.

The United will take the road loss in stride and not to heart as they prepare for the 1st home effort v. St. Louis on 31, May.

United Shoot Down Bombers, Clinch MAAFL Crown 0

Chicago was finally able to snap its 6 year drought and return the MAAFL cup home after an emphatic 46 point win over the Milwaukee Bombers. Bolstered by the return of Warrick Burgmann (6 goals) and inspired by fellow United legend Al MacGlashan (3 goals), the boys from Chicago were to strong for a determined yet undermanned Milwaukee squad.

The conditions for football were perfect. On Chicago’s magnificent lakeshore, with nary a cloud in sight, these two old foes met once again in battle with 14 a side. Chicago struck first through Big Al but the Bombers bit back almost straight away. Chicago found it hard to move the ball with the quick heeled Bombers dominating scrimmages. The play seemed to be all Milwaukee as they ran the ball with ease and put tremendous pressure on the Chicago defense which looked fractured. Seemingly against the play, Gambas was able to goal for Chicago and after a lovely mark, Burgmann put the United boys further ahead as the tall timber up front in MacGlashan, Burgmann and Ternes started to give the Bombers headaches. After two quick goals by Milwaukee, Ehlers goaled followed by a freak goal from MacGlashan that sent the 200 strong crowd into hysterics. Patty Hoyt slipped through a classic crumbers goal on the siren to send United into the first break 6.0: 36 to a very disappointed Milwaukee 3.0: 18 who had done enough to be a lot closer.

The Chicago defense was given a lovely dressing down by their injured coach and they were able to respond in kind with a marvelous second quarter led by club President Drew Ehlers and last gamer ‘Biggun’ Jackson by shutting down Milwaukee. At the other end, Burgmann was able to add another while a free kick to Billy Uhlmann set up Chicago’s second. Chicago still struggled with movement through the middle but the move of Palmer (wing) and Deri Morgan into the center late in the quarter had an instant effect as the two were able to set up several forward thrusts. At the long break, United led 8.3: 51 to the Bombers 3.2: 20

The premiership quarter belonged to Chicago as they could taste their first MAAFL flag in United colors and their first in six years since the barnstorming Swans of 01. Three players, MacGlashan, Frank Bradley and Dan Kastilahn remain from that famous team and each was putting in their best as Chicago slammed on 6 big ones for the quarter. After a quiet first half, big, bustling Roofy was moved into the ruck where he was able to take the game over. He kicked truly to start the Chicago onslaught. Ambrosino kicked truly followed by MacGlashan for his third. Ternes went to the bench and Burgmann to full forward where the boy from Katandra became an irresistable force. He banged on three, all from huge grabs which sent at least 4 girls in the crowd into hysterics. But for some bad kicking, the big fella may have had another three. At the long break, Chicago seemed to have the game in the bag as they led by 68 points 14.5: 89 to a shell shocked Milwaukee 3.3: 21.

Milwaukee went into the final quarter knowing they had only kicked 3 points in the previous 2 quarters of football. 10 minutes after the bounce, they had added 6 straight goals and were on fire as the Chicago midfield collapsed, along with their much vaunted defense. A flurry of activity on the Chicago bench saw Jackson, De Jong, Roofy and an injured Funky Miller thrown back into the game to stem the bleeding out of the middle and down back. The game to and fro-ed as Chicago tried to wrestle the ascendancy from the upbeat reigning premier who sniffed an improbable come back. A goal to Roofy stopped the rot for Chicago and when Burgmann hauled in another big one handed grab before kicking his sixth, the game was over and wild celebrations started across Chicago. Best On Ground Warrick Burgmann, interviewed after the game praised ‘his’ supporters and his teammates stating “yeeeeess mate, nice one. Happy to be back in the United colors showing both big Al and Ternesy how to mark and kick”. For Milwaukee, the game showed what could have been. They were able to play sustained, attacking football in short bursts but were completely outgunned in their backline as they gave away several inches to Burgmann, Ternes and MacGlashan. The Bomber forward line was starved of quality balls as the suffocating Chicago backline took its toll but their midfield was able to run all day and they always bought numbers to the ball as evidenced in their sensational final term.

Chicago were well below their best but had enough to win the game. Burgmann and MacGlashan were unstoppable up front and after a poor start, Miller, Ehlers, Poncho and Jackson headed an impenetrable defense. The move of Deri Morgan, Roofy and Betty Palmer into the middle was the impetus that created the run that finally got the United team going. All up though, this was a fantastic season for United as they take an undefeated MAAFL season into the Nationals in Louisville, full of confidence.

Didn't Smell Like Team Spirit on United's Trip to Seattle 0

Chicago was finally able to snap its 6 year drought and return the MAAFL cup home after an emphatic 46 point win over the Milwaukee Bombers. Bolstered by the return of Warrick Burgmann (6 goals) and inspired by fellow United legend Al MacGlashan (3 goals), the boys from Chicago were to strong for a determined yet undermanned Milwaukee squad.

The conditions for football were perfect. On Chicago’s magnificent lakeshore, with nary a cloud in sight, these two old foes met once again in battle with 14 a side. Chicago struck first through Big Al but the Bombers bit back almost straight away. Chicago found it hard to move the ball with the quick heeled Bombers dominating scrimmages. The play seemed to be all Milwaukee as they ran the ball with ease and put tremendous pressure on the Chicago defense which looked fractured. Seemingly against the play, Gambas was able to goal for Chicago and after a lovely mark, Burgmann put the United boys further ahead as the tall timber up front in MacGlashan, Burgmann and Ternes started to give the Bombers headaches. After two quick goals by Milwaukee, Ehlers goaled followed by a freak goal from MacGlashan that sent the 200 strong crowd into hysterics. Patty Hoyt slipped through a classic crumbers goal on the siren to send United into the first break 6.0: 36 to a very disappointed Milwaukee 3.0: 18 who had done enough to be a lot closer.

The Chicago defense was given a lovely dressing down by their injured coach and they were able to respond in kind with a marvelous second quarter led by club President Drew Ehlers and last gamer ‘Biggun’ Jackson by shutting down Milwaukee. At the other end, Burgmann was able to add another while a free kick to Billy Uhlmann set up Chicago’s second. Chicago still struggled with movement through the middle but the move of Palmer (wing) and Deri Morgan into the center late in the quarter had an instant effect as the two were able to set up several forward thrusts. At the long break, United led 8.3: 51 to the Bombers 3.2: 20

The premiership quarter belonged to Chicago as they could taste their first MAAFL flag in United colors and their first in six years since the barnstorming Swans of 01. Three players, MacGlashan, Frank Bradley and Dan Kastilahn remain from that famous team and each was putting in their best as Chicago slammed on 6 big ones for the quarter. After a quiet first half, big, bustling Roofy was moved into the ruck where he was able to take the game over. He kicked truly to start the Chicago onslaught. Ambrosino kicked truly followed by MacGlashan for his third. Ternes went to the bench and Burgmann to full forward where the boy from Katandra became an irresistable force. He banged on three, all from huge grabs which sent at least 4 girls in the crowd into hysterics. But for some bad kicking, the big fella may have had another three. At the long break, Chicago seemed to have the game in the bag as they led by 68 points 14.5: 89 to a shell shocked Milwaukee 3.3: 21.

Milwaukee went into the final quarter knowing they had only kicked 3 points in the previous 2 quarters of football. 10 minutes after the bounce, they had added 6 straight goals and were on fire as the Chicago midfield collapsed, along with their much vaunted defense. A flurry of activity on the Chicago bench saw Jackson, De Jong, Roofy and an injured Funky Miller thrown back into the game to stem the bleeding out of the middle and down back. The game to and fro-ed as Chicago tried to wrestle the ascendancy from the upbeat reigning premier who sniffed an improbable come back. A goal to Roofy stopped the rot for Chicago and when Burgmann hauled in another big one handed grab before kicking his sixth, the game was over and wild celebrations started across Chicago. Best On Ground Warrick Burgmann, interviewed after the game praised ‘his’ supporters and his teammates stating “yeeeeess mate, nice one. Happy to be back in the United colors showing both big Al and Ternesy how to mark and kick”. For Milwaukee, the game showed what could have been. They were able to play sustained, attacking football in short bursts but were completely outgunned in their backline as they gave away several inches to Burgmann, Ternes and MacGlashan. The Bomber forward line was starved of quality balls as the suffocating Chicago backline took its toll but their midfield was able to run all day and they always bought numbers to the ball as evidenced in their sensational final term.

Chicago were well below their best but had enough to win the game. Burgmann and MacGlashan were unstoppable up front and after a poor start, Miller, Ehlers, Poncho and Jackson headed an impenetrable defense. The move of Deri Morgan, Roofy and Betty Palmer into the middle was the impetus that created the run that finally got the United team going. All up though, this was a fantastic season for United as they take an undefeated MAAFL season into the Nationals in Louisville, full of confidence.

Results

Team	Q1	Q2	Q3	Q4	Final
United	6.0.36	2.3.15	6.2.38	2.2.14	16.7.103
Milwaukee	3.0.18	0.2.2	0.1.1	6.0.36	9.3.57
Goals	United: Burgmann (6), MacGlashan (3), Ward (2), Uhlmann, Gambas, Hoyt P, Ambrosino, Ehlers Milwaukee: None
Best	United: Burgmann, MacGlashan, Ehlers, Palmer, Bradley, Jackson, Miller Milwaukee: None

Chicago Bounces Kangaroo's 0

It was a picture perfect day on the lakefront in Chicago as these two old foes once again locked horns in battle for the MAAFL crown. Nashville were looking to keep their slim hopes of premiership glory alive and Chicago were hoping to continue their unbeaten run this season. Playing 14 a side and in front of the huge Chicago crowd, this was sure to be a classic.

The game started with the melodic stylings of Nick on the bagpipes and Australia’s Consular General in Chicago, Mr Bob Charles flipping the coin. As the snags sizzled and refreshments were taken, the big men began to fly.

A problem with the United team has been the leads they often gift opposition teams with slow starts but today wasn’t the day for this to happen. Chicago came out of the blocks fired up and caught the Roo boys unaware. Big Drew Ehlers was on fire as he marked strongly and kicked truly for Chicago’s first. He added another minutes later and the run was all Chicago as Nashville struggled to break the strong Chicago backline led by best on ground Funky Miller and complimented by Frank Bradley, Jacko and DK.

The irrepressible Brian Hoyt was also proving dangerous up front as he managed his first, setting the crowd alight with chants of “we love you Brian”, chants that were echoed by his coach as the Chicago forwards took control but inaccurate kicking proved costly as the boys from Chi town went into the first break 3.4: 22 leaders to Nashville’s 0.2: 2.

The second quarter saw the Roos kicking with the 1 or 2 goal breeze that trickled in off the beautiful azure waters of Lake Michigan. Nashville tightened defensively but an unmarked Drake slipped forward to kick a coaches goal to get things going for United. He and Mustard De Jong were working in tandem through the middle and minutes later Mustard added to the tally with a lovely goal 40 meters out. Bad kicking again plagued Chicago but the use of the ball, their run through the middle and staunch defense could not be faulted and when Gordo snagged his first, the game threatened to get away from the boys of the south but just like that, momentum changed and Nashville started to play like the Nashville of old. Without big Drew Cox, the forward line wasn’t at it’s best but with Dee and Luke starting to get more and more of the ball, Nashville started to out run and out hustle a cocky Chicago. On a fantastic lead, Nashville’s second gamer ‘plugger’ pulled in a classic grab and duly went back and went ‘bang’ to bring up the two hand salute from the umpire and get the scoreboard clicking for the roos. But Nashville also suffered the yips and some bad kicking in front of goal led them to the main break 6 goals down. Chicago 6.10: 46 to Nashville 1.4: 10

Nashville started the second half where they left off the first and were able to dominate the first half of the quarter as they slammed on two big ones to worry the impressive Chicago crowd and bring the difference back to 4 straight kicks but the experienced Chicago team playing on their own heap were not going to be outdone and momentum soon swung back to the boys from Americas greatest city as Brian Hoyt claimed his second, followed soon by another pair from the two damaging, if inaccurate forwards Roofy and Toddy McClamroch to send Chicago into the orange break 9.14: 68 to 3.4: 22 up.

Nashville would not throw in the towel and battled out the game in the last quarter throwing, literally, everything at Chicago with some interesting tactics that may be looked at closely by the MAAFL board. Despite this, Nashville added one more and Pat Hoyt finally kicked one straight to seal the game and set up a classic, winner takes all match against Milwaukee in September.

Results

Team	Q1	Q2	Q3	Q4	Final
United	3.4.22	3.6.24	3.4.22	1.5.11	10.19.79
Nashville	0.2.2	1.2.8	2.0.12	1.1.7	4.5.29
Goals	United: Hoyt B (2), Ehlers (2), Ward, Hoyt P, Drake, Ambrosino, De Jong, McClamroch Nashville: None
Best	United: Hoyt B, Ehlers, McClamroch, Morgan J, Miller Nashville: None

No Blues for United 0

Chicago United took a giant leap towards recapturing the MAAFL crown and returning it to its rightful place atop Burgmann Towers. Lead by a dominating backline and ruthless midfield, Chicago were able to turn the screws on an undermanned Blues outfit that battled hard all day against huge odds.

In 95 degree heat and 100% humidity, the two teams, playing 14 a side, locked horns once more in battle. St Louis were looking to continue their good form after beating Nashville and wanted a little revenge for the licking they received from Chicago in the windy city last year. Chicago, after a good recruiting off season came down with 18 players fit and ready but without their spiritual leaders in big Wazza Burgmann and the Outback Kid himself, both MIA.

St Louis were able to draw first blood when a Chicago turnover found an unmanned Blue forward in between 3 United players who duly slotted one through to get the game rolling. This was the spark the United boys needed and they dominated much of the first quarter but were unable to capitalise where it mattered most. A top heavy forward line wasn’t getting the delivery they craved and repeated forays forward were turned back by a stubborn Blue defence which was being helped by a classic midwestern downpour that made the ball harder to handle than a heated coat hanger bent into a gamma sign and brutally applied to the upper arm. Pat Hoyt was taken from the backline and asked to give the forward line some spark and within seconds he had slotted through a classic crumbers goal to get the scoreboard clicking.

Chicago was getting some great run from the backline with Jacko, Funky Miller and in particular Betty Palmer all having a case of minor leather poisoning. Pat’s brother Brian was popping up in unusual spots and was getting his share of the footy and he was able to make the most of his chances to kick his sides second. On the other flank, Ehlers and his opponent were having a great dual. The big fella was able to get a step on his opponent and before the siren bring up Chicago’s 3rd sending the United boys into the huddle a couple up on the Blues, 3.4: 22 v 1.2: 8.

The rain continued and turned the game into a tough slog. Betty Palmer was revelling in the conditions and between him and Funky Miller, were tormenting the Blue forwards. Big Roofy started to fire for the United forwards as Jagger and the St Louis boys continued to do a wonderful job of harassing Big Al who was unable to break the shackles at full forward. In a quarter of football that will be remembered by very few people, big Roofy was able to snag his first of the game and St. Louis added another to bring the score at half time to 4.8: 32 to 2.4: 16.

Chicago decided to go smaller at half time by sitting Big Aaron and taking a dominant Mustard out of the backline and putting him in the ruck. The move was initially a stinker as St Louis came out all guns blazing and enjoyed several center clearances that put the United backline under constant and sustained pressure. Betty Palmer, now joined by Deri Morgan repelled many but a mark and goal bought the game closer. After a poor goal line clearance from United, StLouis marked and banged on their second in as many minutes and all of a sudden the game took on a whole new demeanour as Chicago clung to a 4 point lead.

Mustard, Wolfe, Oscar and a fresh legged Billy started to lift in the middle and eventually Chicago was able to rest control of the game away from the Blues and back into their own Oscar Meyer, although not having one of his best games, at least by his lofty standards, managed to find himself with the ball in the forward pocket from where he went back and slotted through goal of the day to lift Chicago spirits. Ensuing goals to Roofy and ‘el presidente’ broke the St Louis shackles and in the presidents case, lost the game ball also as she was drilled into the jungle behind the goals. With the game still on the line, Chicago went into the orange break 22 points up, 7.10: 52 to a tiring StLouis 4.6: 30.

In an effort to spark the forward line, Coach Drake moved himself to full forward and dropped Drewbie back to full back. Tiny came into a pocket as the weather improved to do a bit of physical damage and Big Al went to center half forward for a run. The move proved effective as the coach bagged one of his rare goals and sent Chicago further in front. Chicago started to dominate as the heavy track took a toll on the StLouis boys who didn’t have the luxury of a fresh bench with fresh legs. They did manage to kick their fifth of the game to get Chicago fans looking at their watches but when Roofy goaled, the game was Chicagos and they eventually ran out 30 point victors over a very valiant StLouis outfit.

For Chicago, it was a win they deserved although they felt it could have been by more, particularly before the rain came. The most pleasing thing for the United coaching staff was that it was the American boys that led from the front in this one with Palmer, Miller, the brothers Hoyt, Wolfe, Ehlers and many others having wonderful games. The fact that Gordo got through the game was received with a huge sigh of relief from Burgmann Towers as they look confidently to the next all important game against their old foes in Nashville. With a few issues simmering from the last game these two teams played, look for a bruising affair on the shores of Lake Michigan in early August. For St Louis, they take away a great deal of heart from this game. With Jagger back in the line up their backline was a lot stronger but with no interchange and up against a much more experienced team, it was always going to be a struggle for the boys from Bud town. They played a hard, physical game and will walk away from this with heads up.

Next Round: V’s Nashville in Chicago. Playing host to the Great Aussie BBQ and a huge crowd expected.

Best On Ground: Betty Palmer
Best Off Ground: Betty Palmer
Beast On Ground: Brian Hoyt
Beast On Grog: Betty Palmer/ Biggsy/ Roofy
Presidents highlight: Jezza getting a free room but paying $80 to get to the pub in a cab.