ROUND #7 Game Report: Hamilton Wildcats (1-5) v Ottawa Swans (1-5), at Rideau Carlton Raceway, Ottawa, ON.
After starting the 2012 on a high note, downing the Toronto Eagles handily, the Wildccats have been mired in a surprising 5 game losing streak. Round 7 saw the Hamilton boys leaving the friendly confines of "Steel City" and heading East to face the always tough Ottawa Swans in the Nation's Capital.
Well, the 2012 season has not turned out the way the Wildcats had hoped, especially after such a successful finish in 2011. Not to make any excuses for their play so far this year, but the Wildcats have definitely not been blessed by the "fixture Gods" to date; as Hamilton has had to face the likes of the Roos, Hawks & Gargoyles (all currently w/ 6-1 records) and the Toronto Rebels (4-3, sitting 5th on OAFL ladder). In their first 6 match-ups this year, Hamilton has had to play 4 of the top 6 teams in the league, and now would be making the 5+ hr journey the Nation's Capital while in the midst of a 5 game winless streak. For anyone who's ever played in the OAFL and made the trek up to Ottawa, you'll know that at times getting enough guys together to spend the entire day on the road to play a 2 hr game can be a challenge in itself, not to mention that the Swannies have one of most organized Clubs off the oval, so you need to prepare yourself to face a full side on their home oval in front of a massive group of supporters cheering on the "red & white". The Wildcats Round 7 match-up this year definitely seemed to be no different, as Hamilton pulled up to the Rideau Carlton Raceway with only 17 elligable players for the game, but were dead set on not making sure that would be no excuse as to the outcome of their game vs Ottawa.
From the opening bounce, it was evident that the Wildcats brought the "A" game, and would be a coming-out party for several of Hamilton's 1st year players. Aussie import Simon "Simmo" O'Donnell, has definitely impressed so far this season for the 'Catters, but if his play vs the Swans is any indication of what he can bring to the oval for the remainder of the year, the OAFL better take note!!! Daniel "Boo" Crouch and rookie Jeff McDonald seemed to be catching anything that came their way, combining for 10 goals on the day between the duo. Despite the Swans taking an early 20-9 lead into the 1st break, and playing the entire 4 quarters with 1 extra player (Wildcats only dressed 17 players), Hamilton definitely controlled the majority of the play through the first 20mins and looked to carry over that momentum into the 2nd frame.
Again the 'Cats came out firing to start the 2nd, but this time all their hard work would pay off on the scoreboard as well, kicking 9.2 to Ottawas' 1.0, and holding a 39 point lead at the half. After a strong showing from the hometown Swans in the 1st quarter, it was all Wildcats the rest of the way, as Hamilton continued to punish the scoreboard while holding Ottawa off it through to the final siren. The visiting Wildcats came away winners on the day, picking up their 2nd on the season and snapping a long 5 game losing streak, while handing the Swans a massive 20.12.132 to 5.11.41 defeat in front of their home fans.
The Wildcats will now have the week off thanks in part to the Canada Day long weekend, to enjoy the sweet taste of victory once again, as well as to prepare to host the talented High Park Demons at Mohawk Sports Park on Saturday, July 7th/12. Please check out website/facebook page for more game day details.
HAMILTON WILDCATS 20.12.132 def. OTTAWA SWANS 5.11.41
HAMILTON GOALS: D. Crouch (6), J. McDonald (4), B. Major (3), L. Lombardini (2), D. Andjelkovic (2), N. DiRago, S. O'Donnell, H. Graef
HAMILTON BEST: S. O'Donnell (BOG), J. Steinmetz (Hardhat Award), D. Crouch, L. Lombardini, N. DiRago
*for full GAME STATS, please click link: https://websites.mygameday.app/round_info.cgi?a=MATCH&fixture=123772783&c=1-7394-110437-209606-14207859&pool=1
NEXT GAME: Saturday, July 7th/12, (2-5) Hamilton Wildcats v (4-3) High Park Demons at Mohawk Sports Park, Hamilton, ON. Game starts @ 12NOON!!! (PLAYERS: PLEASE be dressed & ready to warm-up NO LATER than 11AM). MAP: https://websites.mygameday.app/club_info.cgi?c=1-7394-110437-142013-14207859&sID=160735
For more details on the Hamilton Wildcats AFC, our upcoming games, etc; please log on to Facebook (www.facebook.com search: "Hamilton Wildcats AFC") or "follow" us on Twitter - www.twitter.com/WILDCATSafc
C'arn the WILDCATS!!!
Last Modified on 07/07/2012 02:40