Round 6 saw the Toronto Dingos match up against the arch rivals, the Toronto Eagles, in a must win game. After a tough loss the previous week against the Toronto Rebels, the Dingos knew they had to go out hard this week, and set the early tone. Coach Mick McFarlane also had his sights set on eliminating the slow starts that have plagued the Dingos over the previous weeks, and started with a solid pre-game work out to get the boys ready. The Red and Black also had extra incentive for the win as Big Butch was playing in his 150th game for the club. Legend!
Conditions were perfect for football as the two teams set up, preparing for what lay ahead. Rick's ruck dominance started at the first bounce and continued all day. The mid fielders in Stewy, Robbo, Geoff and Stu were reading the taps early and had good use into the forward line where Butch and OB were constant targets. The crumbing forwards got around them and peppered the goals, but the first quarter only saw the Dingos up 2 goals to 1.
In the second, the midfield dominance continued and OB continued to take strong overhead marks allowing for several shots on goal. He finished for the day with 3 goals and dual BOG honours. To the Eagles credit, they didn't lay down by any means and continued to rebound the ball as much as possible. But the Dingo back line was up to the task, repelling any attack the Eagles could muster with Tom Bell playing a phenomenal game at full back, stopping the Eagles full forward from capitalizing on any chances. Tom played so well that he was also awarded BOG with OB for his stellar play. The quarter ended with the Dingos up 6 goals to 1.
During the third, the Eagles started to get on top in the middle, effectively clearing the ball out of the centre to a restructured Eagles forward line. They managed to kick a couple of goals and the coaching staff began to think about combatting this run by making major positional changes too, but decided to go with what got them the lead to this point.
If it wasn't for strong play from Ramsey, Steve Lanning and Denis defensively, the score could have been worse. The Eagles managed to kick a couple of majors for the quarter, but the Dingos capitalized on limited opportunities with a couple of their own to maintain a healthy lead. Kyle M was running all over the place creating havoc for his slower opponent in the forward pocket, and finished the game with two more goals in his OAFL rookie of the year candidacy season.
During the fourth, the Dingos continued to dominate the centre, with Mick getting involved in some key plays in the wing that helped Butch have multiple chances on goal in his 150th. Unfortunately he was held goalless, but was a huge presence up forward all game. As the game wore on the Dingos ran over the top of the tiring Eagles players and managed to hold one for a solid win, dedicating it to the big Full Forward in his big game. In what was really a complete team performance, the Dingos now look ahead to next Friday night when the come up against the ever dangerous Etobocoke Roos.
Carn' the Dingos!
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Final score for the match was 12.12-84 to 4.8-32 in favour of the Red and Black. Full match details can be found here. There was no Div 2 or women's games this weekend.
Last Modified on 16/01/2013 15:24