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Chicago, IL- The barnstorming Tigers of Lincoln Square have won the 2009 Metro Grand Final after completely demoralizing an undermanned and completely shellshocked Rhino outfit that still can barely sit down due to the pain emanating from its hind quarters.

From the outset it was going to be a big ask of the Rhinos with Scher, Ambrosino, Kia Forte, Aussie Mike, Kansas Hattery, Bashford, Crash Borchardt and the OBK missing from the line up and a full strength Tiger outfit that was snarling from the outset.

With Big Al and Hendrie taking umpiring duties in front of a handy crowd on a lovely Chicago day, the ball was bounced and play got under way. The next 80 minutes were as scary for the Rhinos as any poacher hiding in a bush with a high powered rifle. The middle was where the Rhinos were going to have a chance with new ruckman Nick Redmond feeding Drake, Deehan and Herrmann. The plan was to take out Dhoory and Brennan and apply as much pressure to the tiger backs as possible. The plan failed.

The Tigers controlled the midfield, especially at the stoppages and were running rampant. The rhino backs were under the pump immediately and despite their best efforts, Fish Dhoory was a huge spark for the Tigers and kicked two big ones to open proceedings. These were followed up with a lovely goal from the flying peanut in William Uhlmann who was back to some of his best form, a great sight for United selectors. Joey Trimberger continues to get better and better and his size across half forward was yet another thorn in the Rhino side and after he hauled in a grab from an errant Brian Hoyt kick, he went back and kicked the Tigers fourth. With runners everywhere and a backline that was dominating the few Rhinos that were down there, it appeared a long day ahead was ahead for the Wrigley lads… it soon got longer. Just before the qtr time siren, Aussie ring in Tobias went down when the old hammy went “cablammy” rendering him as useful as the proverbial tits on a bull. To rub some salt in the wounds, Oscar Meyer got a late one to almost kill the game in the first 20 minutes.

At quarter time, The Tigers had shot out to lead 5. 3: 33 to 0. 0: 0 and Wrigleyville went looking for an answer, any answer.
The second stanza delivered more of the same as the Tigers had winners all over the ground and it became harder and harder to find Rhinos that could win the ball. With a backline that was tiring, the Rhinos tried everything but to no avail. Oscar Meyer in particular smelled blood and began to feast on a lovely Rhino dinner that was being cooked medium well by Brennan, the Dhoory’s, Uhlmann, Fitz and everyone else in yellow and black. Frenchie was on fire and Hoyt was getting a tonne of it and they all helped Meyer kick 3 for the term. Tommy Gunn kicked another and even Hoyt got in on the action and kicked truly to pour on the misery for the Rhinos and effectively kill the game. The Rhinos had no answers and could not muster a point for the quarter and at the half, the Tigers led by 69 (giggity) points, 10.9: 69 to 0.0: 0.

Pride was the only thing on the line now as the Rhinos took the field. A dressing down at the half had the desired effect and a much more committed Rhino team actually managed to take a bit of control and almost win the quarter. Herrmann, who was easily the Rhinos best was getting a lot of the ball and along with Clarke and Deehan they managed to slow the easy ball gets by the Tigers. Drake went to the forward line and Wolfe into the ruck and as the rhino staged a counter attack. Tobias, despite being on one leg was able to snap truly twice and start the rhino scoring. For the Tigers, who were resting their main charges by now, Brennan managed to kick his first to match his BOG effort and the Warrick Capper look-a-like got his 5th. At the orange break, the Tigers led 12. 12: 84 to 2.0: 12

The final quarter was another close affair as the Tigers continued to win plenty of the ball and their backs, namely Poncho Bradley went looking for goals. Highlight of the game may possibly be Ponchos sensational kicks on goal, one of which somehow ended further away than it started, winning him the coveted Golden Goose. Fitz was also pushing forward and bagged himself a goal and Fish Dhoory netted another two before the Rhinos got their third through a dashing Sammy Blundell. When Clarke found Drake on the death nell, his kick sailed through the big sticks to notch up his first (goal and possession). With the siren ending a disappointing day for the Rhinos, the Tigers went into celebration mode with cars being flipped and naked worms everywhere.

To the victor the spoils and it was a dominant Tiger team that after a slow start to the season got their shit together and steam rolled the competition. Their mid field is electric and their backs dominant. The only question mark hanging over their heads was the form of their forwards but that has been put to bed with a final score of 14. 14: 104 to 4.0: 24. The Rhinos can take away a solid second half which showed a bit of guts on their part but at the end of the day, the Rhinos were lucky this wasn’t a bigger margin. Their grand final may have been played in their big win over the Piranhas.

After the game, a very happy Mustard De Jong paid homage to his charges stating “beauty mate, farken great stuff. Everyone put in, from the flamboyant frog to the flappin’ fish and the crabs and worms in the middle, everyone was on fire and it was a great finale to a great year of metro footy”.

A devastated Paul Drake refused comment preferring to have Morgan attend the post match press conference. All Morgan had to say was “what the hell just happened?”

All players are asked to continue their recruiting efforts over the off season and come back bigger, better and stronger for season 2010. The United squads results have proven beyond doubt the effectiveness of a strong metro competition. Our aim is to one day have 5 metro teams up and running but for now, three independantly strong teams is a bloody good effort and a tribute to the hard work being done by all. The CAFA (and especially Wrigleyville) is sad to say goodbye to two of the most promising American recruits in their team in the form of Timmy Herrmann who is off to Dallas and Glenn Clarke who prefers the sands of Iraq and Afghanistan to the golden shores of Lake Michigan. We all wish him the best as he dons the famous Marines uniform.

GREEN JACKET
Crackers Brennan

GOLDEN GOOSE
Frank Bradley

Burgmann Towers, IL- In a winner takes all contest this saturday on the lakefront, the upstart Rhinos take on the sheer power that is the LS Tigers in a battle that some pundits have already dubbed “the game of the century”. With undertones of hatred between the two teams this is a battle of mate versus mate, coach versus assistant coach, president versus treasurer and good (Rhinos) versus evil (tigers). Everyone should get down to Waveland for this game which should be an absolute cracker.

The Tigers go into this outright favorites after a sensational second half of the year. Vegas bookmakers have seen feverish betting since Burgmann returned on saturday and they are now at 5/4 in the red. Punters like DeJong’s move of resting himself over the weekend and are showing no concern with regards to Ponchos shoulder or the Burgmann finger. Tommy Gunn is another injury concern for the Tiger hierachy. His run and pop is an integral part of this outfit and it will be him, along with Brennan and the flying peanut (if he can be found) that will look to stem the influence of first year Rhino onballers Deehan, Blundell and the very impressive Herrmann. The Tige’s will be expecting huge games from stalwarts Poncho, who will get the job on Drake, DeJong, Meyer and Braddis and these guys will be backed up with a whose who of United football including the brothers Dhoory, Fitzgerald, an out of form Hoyt, Trimberger and the effervesant Frenchy. Infact, a quick look through the Tiger list and I think I may do a Pete Rose and throw a few dollars on the Tigers myself. They have a huge height advantage and runners that are quick of foot to boot. Their one weakness has been kicking goals but Burgmann can kick 10 in the blink of an eye and Oscar Meyer will be especially please with the return of the big man as he looks to crumb off both him and Braddis.

The Rhinos are a gutsy team, there’s no two ways about it. They are by no means star studded like the Tigers, nor as flamboyant as the Piranhas but their last up win against L.P was nothing short of amazing and they will look to recapture that form again to pull out an unlikely victory on the biggest stage of all. Already behind the 8 ball with the loss of 2 big name players, betting on the Rhino has drifted from 4/1 out to 8/1, an effect of the Burgmann inclusion which bookmakers have dubbed “the Katandra tsunami” for its effect on both odds and world markets. The ace up the Rhino sleeve could be the perennially drunk Rocky Deehan who leads a merry band of midfielders that have shown some amzing improvement this season. Herrmann has champion written all over him, Wolfe is starting to run into some pre nationals form and Blundell, when sober, has the skill to take it up to both Brennan and Dhoory. Look also for Borchardt to have a good game. Ambrosino has been in rare form lately and is the forward the Rhinos will look to to bag a few 6 pointers for them. The Rhino backs look strong too. Led by Disco Panek and featuring the rock of Rodgers in Johnny Scher and the human muscle in Glenn Clarke (he better be there!), all three have been terrific for the Rhino this season. Kicking goals will be an issue though. Big Nate has to fire to take pressure off Drake and Ambrosino and McClamroch need to have big ones indeed.

Who will win? The Rhinos have the pace, the Tigers will dominate in the air and have lots and lots of talent at their disposal as well as a plethora of experience including a massive Australian contingent along with a Revo contingent that can’t be ignored. The Rhinos will need something extra, extra, extra special to stop the Tiger from roaring this saturday and running away with its first Metro title.

GAME DETAILS
WHO: Wrigleyville Rhinos v Lincoln Square Tigers
WHEN: Saturday, August 19th at 4.30pm
WHERE: Waveland
WHAT: Fourth installment of the Metro Grand Final. If you are wondering, previous winners are.. 08- Piranhas, 07- Piranhas, 06- Rhinos

Players to watch:
TIGERS: Burgmann, Dejong, Meyer, the Big Lebowski, Braddis, Uhlmann, Dhoory
RHINOS: Ambrosino, Herrmann, Wolfe, Scher, Panek, Blundell, OBK

Big Match ups:
Drake v Poncho/ De Jong, Wolfe v Trimberger, Herrmann v Dhoory, Blundell v Brennan, Deehan v Lebowski

After match function:
Come to the Globe Pub to toast the Metro premiers and the culmination of a successful Metro season in which the Piranhas didn’t make the final.

Umpires:
Anthony Hendrie has the honor of the first bounce and he will be supported with a full compliment of Piranhas running the boundary (Hayse and MacGlashan have volunteered for that) and Roofy and Deri have volunteered for goal umpiring duty.

LAST WORD:
Roofy seems to be a runaway winner in both the MacGlashan and Burgmann awards this year but Oscar is still nipping at his heels for the MacGlashan side of things but he looks to see a lot of John Scher so can the Warrick Capper lookalike kick a bag?

Chicago, IL- Chicago United claimed their third MAAFL title in a row after another devastating display of Australian Rules Football on the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan. This weeks victim was their old foes from Wisconsin who made the 90 mile trek down the I-90 with a handy team of 22. In what will hopefully be the perfect prelude to tonight Bears v Packers game, the lads from Illinois out marked, out kicked, out muscled and out played the cheeseheads.

Though starting the game with several top name players out including Ward, Hayse, DeJong, Uhlmann, Gunn, Kia Forte and OBK, the Chicago United was able to draw first blood early when Big, Bad Al MacGlashan presented at full forward and took a strong mark on the lead and then cooly went back, cocked that magnificent left hoof and went BANG from 50. He followed this up with two more strong marks and from closer in, missed by a country mile both times. Gordon Ambrosino was proving a handful with his pace and he was rewarded with a smart goal from a snap to bring up Chicagos second.

Milwaukee were not to be outdone and kicking with what little breeze there was on this magnificent Chicago day, they found the big fella in Paul O’Connor who used his impressive bulk to out bustle his opponent to mark and goal, bringing up the Bombers first. Chicago continued to attack and Big Al was proving a huge thorn in the Milwaukee behind as he provided the perfect target for his midfielders. Another mark and goal from the great man sent the United out in front by 15 points as the Bombers looked to stem the flow of easy balls into the Chicago forwards. As they tightened so did the game as both midfields looked to gain the edge. Milwaukee, with Sarbacker, Andrews and the Bill Lawry lookalike, inflated proboscis and all, Robbie Humphries had plenty of experience over the United midfield of Deehan, Herrmann and Brennan but with big Stacey Elmore doing a great job in the ruck, honors were even at the first break. At quarter time, Chicago led 3.5: 23 to 1.2: 8

Chicago again took control early as they looked to open up a big lead on the Bombers. A huge roar came from the crowd as Chicago footballing legend Warrick Burgmann trotted out to take up his place at center half forward on the ground that became his second home and now bares his name. But it was his 2 old mates that were causing all the havoc. Drew Ehlers was providing a great target and Big Al was everywhere. MacGlashan goaled after yet another fine grab and added his fourth minutes later as Chicago threatened to blow the game apart. Nolan McKeegan showed a glimpse of brilliance with his first for the game and all of a sudden Milwaukee were under the pump and looking to stop the rot. They managed to steady and through their aforementioned midfield and tightening backs, put together a great period of football. Bruce Bielffus was able to cap off the hard work with Milwaukee’s second before Chicago again took control. With Gambaro, Bradley, Palmer, Wolfe, Kastilahn and Fitzgerald dominating the Bomber forwards, momentum switched again and a long ball into the forward line spilled to Burgmann whose run around the flank and goal from the boundary line brought a tear to the assembled crowd as memories of the great man at his best came flooding back. But instead of Gambaro chasing him in a Blue jumper, the two legends were together and both continued to put their stamp on the game. At the half, Chicago had shot out to a commanding lead 7.12: 54 to 2.4: 16

Chicago looked to finish the Bombers off in the quickly fading light. MacGlashan again was the focal point as he led hard and was rewarded with a lovely grab 50 out which he, incredibly, handballed off to a dashing Anthony Sacco who was playing possibly his best game in United colors. Sacco, Didak like, took a bounce and on that magnificent left trotter of his went BANG to bring up his first. This time Milwaukee hit back early as some nifty run through the center saw the dismantled proboscis get on the end of a probing handball and from a long way out Humphries went BANG towards the empty goalsquare bringing up the Bombers third. Then a strange thing happened, a little known Irishman playing his first season of Australian Football took control of the game from a forward flank. MacGlashan marked too far for even him to consider having a ping and his ensuing pass to the little Paddy in McKeegan was a shocker but he was good enough to take possession and dodge one, stiff arm another and then from 40 go BANG to bring up his second. Minutes later he showed a tonne of dash around the flank and from distance, magnificently snapped on his right foot to set the cat right amongst the pigeons and send his team into the orange break 49 point leaders, 10.12: 72 to 3.5: 23

Chicago looked to continue the rout as their midfield took control and their backs completely shut down the Bomber forwards. MacGlashan was again the recipient of some great work up the ground and his leading and marking was a highlight of the game. He slotted through two more for the quarter to give him a bag of 6 goals for the day, a tally even Lisa would be impressed with. Big Drew Ehlers was finally rewarded with his first after he played a ripper of a game and the goals didn’t stop there. McKeegan again got amongst it and was able to kick truly after being too quick for his opponent and then after a lovely handball from Sacco, Drake went bounding down the outer flank and from 40, on the boundary and ON THE LEFT FOOT (just quietly), he went BANG to put Chicago 81 points up and well on their way to the clubs fourth title and third on the trot.

Not to be outdone, Milwaukee were able to hit back with Humphries again proving his ability. Despite having two rolls of toilet paper shoved up his nose to control the bleeding from his now magnificently remodeled schnoz, Humphries took a couple of great marks on the lead and was able to kick three late goals for the visitors and put some respectability on the board. At the final siren, Chicago 15.15: 105 def Milwaukee 6.6: 42

The win caps off a marvelous MAAFL season for the United who went through undefeated, claiming their third title in a row along the way and fourth all up. All eyes now turn to Mason, Ohio as Nationals loom large. With Forte, Ward, DeJong, Hayse, Uhlmann and others looking to make their way back into the team, positions are tight and your attendance at training will help your claims no end. Next Saturday is the big clash between the Tigers of Lincoln Square and the Rhinos of Wrigleyville. Piranhas need to supply two boundaries, a central and goal umpires. More details to follow.

GOLDEN GOOSE:
Tyler Dorsett; Tyler sustained a nasty injury to his hand…. trying to open the dunny door! Sanitary reasons, no one is to go within 20 yds of him as an open wound in those dunnies can’t be good!

GREEN JACKET:
Nolan McKeegan

Chicago, IL- On a cold day in the windy city where the mercury worked hard to reach 70, Chicago United hosted the MAAFL’s up and comers in the Columbus Jackaroos in a game that would effectively decide this season MAAFL title. Both teams come into the game undefeated and Columbus was coming off what is by far their biggest win defeating the Roos of Nashville. Chicago had the experience and height, Columbus was an unknown entity with plenty of energy looking to upstage their highly fancied rivals.

Chicago captain BJ Gambaro won the toss and elected to kick with a 2 or 3 goal breeze to the Belmont end and umpires Hendrie and MacGlashan got things underway in front of a handy crowd of around 50 brave souls who expected a lovely day in the August sun but were treated to a November day instead (least the beer stayed cold!). From the outset the Jackaroos dropped two men back to counter big Roofy Ward and manned him up with his long lost cousin Robbie Ward and that battle of the two Wards was an enthralling part of the game all day. The Jackaroos elected, very wisely, to go with 18’s after bringing an impressive squad of 25 up to the small Waveland Field. Like downtown real estate, space was at a premium and it was a very intense first quarter as Chicago tried to impose its will on the game but the tackling, harassing and conviction of the Columbus upstarts proved quite formidable indeed. Despite controlling the play, Chicago was unable to break the Columbus defense and against the play, Columbus was able to bring up the games first major after a nice mark in the goal square. Another huge battle was going on in the ruck as Brad Dailey for Columbus gave everything against his two taller opponents in Stacey Elmore and Joey Trimberger who was playing his first MAAFL game. Chicago continued attacking but was constantly denied by Columbus and it wasn’t until the end of the quarter that Chicago’s Anthony Sacco was able to mark and pierce the two big ones with a lovely kick from 40 out on a tight angle. At quarter time, Chicago led a gallant Columbus 1.2: 8 to 1.0: 6 and it was a very worried Chicago leadership team that went looking for answers. Columbus had managed to get plenty of the ball and wasn’t letting Chicago dictate the play and had almost shut them out after kicking with a handy breeze.

The second quarter continued much like the first with some tough, classic football being played by both teams. Columbus had the breeze but the Chicago defense, led by Gambaro and Forte were too strong. Both Herrmann and Scher were playing their first MAAFL games and revelling in their assignments down back and as the defense started to click, so did the Chicago game plan and with both Ryan Hayse and Billy Uhlmann on the wings starting to get a lot of the ball, Chicago started to look the better team with some very effective running and that is what set up Sacco whose mark and goal brought up number two for him. Minutes later Forte found Drake in the middle and his pass found Roofy Ward who had finally got a step on the Columbus Ward and from 40 out Roofy went back and delivered the goods and all of a sudden Chicago shot out to an 18 point lead. Columbus though, were not about to drive 5 hours up the I-65 just to lie down and they hit back with another goal before half time, making the difference at the long break a close 12 points and setting the scene for a massive second half. At the half, Chicago led 3.6: 24 to Columbus 2.0: 12

On the Chicago bench the coaches looked for answers to the close checking of their forwards and mid fielders and the intense pressure Columbus were putting on the ball carriers creating many skill errors. Ward went to full forward and Ehlers, who was playing a great game came out to center half forward to crash a few packs and challenge the free reign Columbus had been getting off their half back line. Chicago started the second half kicking with what was now a slight breeze offering no real advantage but it was they that started to control the game as their defense took a stranglehold over the game. The run created from Forte, Scher, Gambaro, Rory, Herrmann and Palmer was marvelous and with the amount of ball the forwards were getting it wasn’t long until the Columbus backs were stretched to breaking point. Roofy Ward opened up proceedings with a lovely mark and goal and backed that up with his third for the game minutes later after taking a big grab after Drake hit him again with a bomb from the wing. Oscar Meyer came off the bench and it was his fresh legs that provided a much needed spark and he started getting a ton of the ball. Meyer was able to take a nice grab and played on around the flank and with an Oscar Meyer special, slotted Chicago’s third for the quarter. Meyer continued to dominate up forward and if he had have kicked straight, could have blown the game apart but alas, his 1 goal 5 contribution and Warrick Capper looks merely got him the golden goose award. At the orange break, Chicago had shot out to a 32 point lead 6. 9: 45 to 2.1: 13

The final quarter saw the Chicago engine really start to purr as they had winners all over the ground. Rocky Deehan was playing his best game and winning plenty of ball in the middle as his ruckmen in both Trimberger and Elmore matched up beautifully together. With the Chicago runners in Hayse, Herrmann, Blundell, Uhlmann and Ambrosino getting more space as the Columbus defenders tired, the United started to run away with the game. Ambrosino kicked the first of the quarter and then Timmy Herrmann celebrated his great first up game with a goal of his own before big, bad Roofy Ward finished off the Jackaroos with another two from set shots including a ripper from the boundary line that got the crowd going. Columbus continued to defy the United though and hung on gallantly against some big odds and they were still able to go forward often but the great wall of Gambaro stood them down each time. At the final siren, Chicago had put a stranglehold on the MAAFL title as they ran out 58 point winners over a very dogged and impressive Jackaroos team.

GREEN JACKET:
BJ Gambaro

GOLDEN GOOSE:
Oscar “the Wiz” Meyer

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